AFL postpones Queensland opening round games as state prepares for Cyclone Alfred
Both of the AFL’s opening round clashes scheduled for Queensland have been postponed, after the state government ordered residents to prepare and remain vigilant for Cyclone Alfred.
The timing of the new fixtures will be determined as soon as possible, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon. But neither of the games will be held during opening round, despite discussion of the Gold Coast and Essendon being pushed back to Sunday afternoon.
Waiting game: Lions coach Chris Fagan and co-captain Lachie Neale will have to wait to unfurl their premiership flag.Credit: Eddie Jim
With the final seven rounds of the home-and-away season serving as a floating fixture, it is highly likely – according to a club source – that the Gold Coast v Essendon game will be squeezed into a window in that final seven weeks. The two clubs are already scheduled to face off in round 17, meaning they could play each other again within a matter of weeks.
There is still the option move the Brisbane and Geelong game back to round three, when both teams currently have a bye. The Suns, meanwhile, have already cancelled their Thursday training session.
Dillon, in Sydney for the league’s season launch, said the health and safety of all parties had been the priority.
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“As I said yesterday, the priority is that we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone in and around any potential cyclone zone or community impacted by the forecast heavy rains and storm surges,” Dillon said.
“It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding, and our thoughts are with everyone in south-east Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted. Ultimately, we hope this weather event doesn’t eventuate, but we know everyone needs to prepare accordingly, and we don’t want our games to be a distraction to those preparations.
“We want to make the decision now to give clubs and fans certainty in an uncertain environment and allow anyone from Queensland who would normally be involved in this game through coaching, playing, attending or working at the venue time to be home with their families and available in the community if required.
