Ability to fill stadiums to 25 per cent capacity increases possibility of Hawthorn and North Melbourne playing in adopted home

Tasmania still needs to open its borders for any potential AFL action, but the easing of coronavirus restrictions has increased chances of seeing matches in the state.

THE further easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the potential to fill sporting venues to 25 per cent capacity has increased the possibility for AFL games to unfold in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has been unwavering when it comes to Hawthorn and North Melbourne playing in the state in 2020, questioning the value of matches being staged at UTAS Stadium and Blundstone Arena without crowds.

Both Hawks president Jeff Kennett and Roos chief executive Ben Amarfio have declared their intent on fulfilling their club’s requirements.

However following today’s National Cabinet meeting, the fast-tracking of allowing spectators into venues has begun.

As stage three restrictions across the country are brought forward, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said individual states were working towards a model that allowed stadiums to open up to a quarter of capacity from as early as next month.

The potential to fill stadiums to 25 per cent capacity has opened the door for Hawthorn to play games in Tasmania this year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty

Both UTAS and Blundstone Arena — which was ruled out from hosting any sport last month — operate with a capacity of under 20,000, which would mean about 5000 fans could be granted access.

“Again I have made the point that I can see no benefit of playing AFL games in Tasmania in front of empty stadiums,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Now as we move into stage three, the aspiration is crowds up to 25 per cent could attend and watch the footy being played, or go to other large events.

“We need to understand whether that makes economic sense as well as social sense, but there is a possibility that AFL could be played in the state this season.”

The last obstacle from seeing AFL teams play in Tasmania is border controls, with

Mr Gutwein unwilling to give a date on when he hopes to lift restrictions.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“If we do open our borders later in July, depending on rostering, it would have an implication [on games taking place],” Mr Gutwein said.

Having stage three restrictions brought forward will also aid the viability of Tasmania’s outdoor community sport competitions, with patrons allowed to attend.

Crowds for indoor sports such as basketball and netball would be determined by a new measurement based on the size of each stadium.

Crowds for indoor sport will be subject to the one person per four square metres rule. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

“On the 26th of June we would expect that community sport will be able to resume with crowds of up to 500 people,” Mr Gutwein said.

“In terms of indoor sport, that would depend on the density that the venue could carry based on the one [person] per four square metre rule.”