Fury as AFLW teams dodge WA border closures

The AFL has defended a move to allow two Victorian teams into Western Australia this weekend, despite fierce backlash from people barred from entering the state.

Carlton and Collingwood AFLW teams will face off in Perth. Picture: Getty Images

The AFL has defended a move to allow an AFLW match between Collingwood and Carlton to be played in Perth this weekend.

It comes as Victorians locked out of Western Australia have vented their fury and frustration over Western Australia’s decision to allow the two teams to fly in and out of Perth to compete.

In a statement, the AFL said Collingwood and Carlton were committed to following WA’s strict quarantine guidelines.

“The health and safety of the community has always been and will continue to be the highest priority for the league as we navigate both the AFLW and AFL seasons led by the advice of respective state governments and health officials,” the statement said.

“This weekend will see teams participate in matches in Perth that will take place with stringent protocols, covid-testing and travel arrangements including charter flights and most importantly all in line with the strict directions from the WA Government and WA Police.”

But the teams will not be subject to quarantine requirements.

The granting of the exemption by the Western Australian government has sparked anger among Australians who have not been able to enter the state because of its hard Covid border stance.

Responding to a news report on the decision, Adrian Gissara from Melbourne said it was “ridiculous stuff” from the Western Australian government.

“ppl (people) can’t go and visit family but hey let in AFL and AFLW players,” he tweeted.

Steve Palmer from Korumburra in Victoria’s southeast described the move as “inhumane”.

“It’s inhumane and a disgrace that both the AFL and that idiot megalomaniac Mark McGowan would put sport before families,” Mr Palmer said in a Facebook post.

Ridiculous stuff from WA , ppl can’t go and visit family but hey let in AFL and AFLW players https://t.co/bErvAe6xYn

— Adrian Gissara (@AGissara) February 9, 2022

Disgraceful. This country has lost it's moral compass, devoid of any compassion and sense. People dying alone and afraid while sports people have free tickets. They have had two years to get this right and have failed miserably. Deeply shameful.

— Nadia Vago🌸 (@Nadia_Vago) February 9, 2022

Nadia Vago said the move was “deeply shameful”.

“This country has lost its moral compass, devoid of any compassion and sense,” she tweeted.

“People dying alone and afraid while sports people have free tickets. They have had two years to get this right and have failed miserably.”

Melina Murata from Sydney slammed Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan, saying she had been locked out of the state despite facing a family emergency.

“I have a family emergency going on in WA I need to get there to be with my mum,” she tweeted.

“I am double vaccinated and have had Omicron and recovered. Yet I can’t get in without seven days isolation.”

Dr Erin Watson from Melbourne said the decision was a “joke”.

“This is a joke and completely unfair to all of us who have ‘played by the rules’ for 2 years,” she tweeted.

“#AFLW players should boycott.”

This is a joke and completely unfair to all of us who have ‘played by the rules’ for 2 years. #AFLW players should boycott. @MarkMcGowanMP@AFL@aflwomenshttps://t.co/OR6G9LpM4D

— Dr Erin Watson (@erinwatsonlynn) February 9, 2022

Both West Australian teams have arrived back in Perth after matches in Victoria this week.

AFL general manager competition management Laura Kane said both Victorian teams will be subject to “strict protocols” as they become the first interstate sporting teams allowed into Perth since early in the cricket Big Bash season.

“Fremantle is currently serving a quarantine period after returning to Perth following their game on Sunday, while West Coast returned to Perth following their game last night after both teams spent time on the road in Victoria,” Ms Kane said.

“The health and safety of everyone in the community remains paramount and the AFL, together with Fremantle, the West Coast Eagles and the travelling teams, have agreed to strict protocols as approved by the Western Australian government.

“The fixture remains a week-to-week proposition and the AFL will continue to work closely with respective state governments and health authorities on arrangements that both protects the health and safety of the community and allows us to progress the NAB AFLW season.”

Just two days out from the start of round 6, the AFLW fixture has been flipped as players and officials continue to ride the rollercoaster in 2022.

St Kilda won’t have to back up on Friday night, having lost to West Coast on Tuesday afternoon, with the showdown against the Brisbane Lions moved to Sunday.

Geelong will still head to Queensland to take on the Gold Coast Suns, but instead of playing on Sunday, the game has been brought forward to Friday night at Metricon Stadium.

Originally published as Fury as AFLW teams dodge WA border closures