How the AFL fixture, fans will be affected by Perth’s snap COVID lockdown

North Melbourne says it is desperate to face Melbourne in Tasmania next round, but where the game is played remains a huge question mark.

The AFL is still optimistic North Melbourne will be able to play its Tasmanian clash against Melbourne on Sunday despite the players flying into 14-day quarantine.

North Melbourne has received a Victorian government exemption that will allow it to train this week while self-quarantining after spending time in a “red zone” in Perth.

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Fans were absent from the Fremantle versus North Melbourne game at Optus Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

The league will make no hasty decisions about moving that contest to Marvel, hopeful the COVID cluster in Perth is contained by midweek.

Under that scenario the league would hope the Tasmanian government gave permission for the game to go ahead, with the Western Derby also played in Perth on Sunday.

The Roos flew out of Perth after their loss to Fremantle, but were not afforded a chartered flight by the AFL and instead got on an 8.50am flight.

After COVID tests they went straight home to start 14 days of quarantine under state government rules.

The Roos have successfully secured the kind of exemption that will see them locked down in homes but able to come to the club to train and prepare for matches.

They are unable to leave their house for any other purpose other than training.

Under their arrangement with the Tasmanian government they are to play four home games in Hobart, including their Sunday clash against Melbourne.

The prospects of the Tasmanian government allowing a team full of players who have been in a red zone to fly into Hobart would seem remote.

But people in quarantine returning from the Brisbane cluster earlier this year only needed a negative test to return to normal society when that cluster was under control.

The league has the option of relocating the game to Marvel Stadium, which is vacant on Sunday, with another game later in the year swapped back to Hobart.

The Dockers got the better of the Roos in the clash. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Todd Goldstein shows off his soccer skills and North are right in this one 👀#AFLFreoNorthpic.twitter.com/Cp8NPNyx58

— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2021

There was one extra COVID positive in Perth on Saturday, but if authorities can contain the spread the lockdown could end by Tuesday.

North Melbourne coach David Noble said the Roos were desperate to uphold their contractual obligations and play in front of fans in Tasmania.

“Yeah, extremely. The Spirit of Tasmania is a great supporter of ours and so it would be extremely unfortunately if we couldn’t get down there. To not have fans tonight and then in Tasmania would be extremely disappointing. But we are in the hands of the government and we will follow the protocols as to what gets delivered.”

West Coast and Fremantle are also locked down until midnight Monday after the Eagles travelled home from Melbourne on Saturday night.

If the lockdown extends through the week both clubs will ask for WA state government for dispensation to train at their clubs while remaining in lockdown.

West Coast senior coach Adam Simpson said on Saturday night the Eagles wouldn’t see their players again until Tuesday.

The AFL is unsure what kind of crowd will be allowed at the Eagles-Dockers Derby on Sunday.

Originally published as How the AFL fixture, fans will be affected by Perth’s snap COVID lockdown