Just as Australian sport returned to an appearance of normalcy, the AFL 2020 season was dealt another blow related to corona viruses.
The Queensland government has announced that any Queensland-based AFL team that plays a Victoria-based team will have to be quarantined for 14 days after the game if they want to stay or return to the state. As a result, the fifth round game is shuffled to accommodate the changes.
“We understand the Queensland government’s decision and thank them for their support in developing the high-performance centers that have enabled us to bring Fremantle, West Coast Eagles, Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide into the state so our season can resume “said AFL General Manager Travis Auld, said in a media statement.
“We take the role we as the national leader in covid 19 virus containment take seriously and will continue to work with the government and medical experts to conduct our season so that community safety is prioritized and is promoted. “
The AFL media statement says it will first review the changes this weekend before confirming what the arrangements for the following rounds will look like in the coming weeks.
While the fifth round of the AFL is immediately affected, the new restrictions also apply to other sports rules, including the NRL. The next clash between a team from Queensland and Melbourne will take place in round 10 between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm. An announcement for changes to the NRL is expected to be made soon.
The new AFL 2020 Round 5 game
Thursday July 2nd
- Carlton v St Kilda | Marvel Stadium (SEVEN) at 7:40 p.m.
Friday July 3rd
- Collingwood v Essendon | MCG (SEVEN) at 7:50 p.m.
Saturday July 4th
- West Coast Eagles vs. Sydney Swans | Metricon Stadium (FOX / Kayo) at 1:45 p.m.
- Geelong Cats vs. Gold Coast Suns | GMHBA (FOX / Kayo) at 4:35 p.m.
- Western Bulldogs vs. North Melbourne Marvel Stadium (SEVEN) at 7:40 p.m.
- Brisbane Lions vs. Port Adelaide | The Gabba (FOX / Kayo) at 7:40 p.m.
Sunday July 5th
- Adelaide Crows vs. Fremantle | Metricon Stadium (FOX / Kayo) at 1:05 p.m.
- Melbourne vs. Richmond | MCG (SEVEN) at 3:35 p.m.
- GWS Giants vs. Hawthorn | Giants Stadium (FOX / Kayo) at 6.10 p.m.
You can watch all the games of the weekend to you of you or Fox Sports, while some of the games are broadcast for free with Channel Seven or its streaming arm. 7Plus.
