Crowds back at the AFL

Showdown in front of 2000

AFL:

The AFL has had a big win before the season restart with the South Australian government announcing more than 2000 spectators will be allowed to attend Saturday night’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval.

Fans in other states appear likely to have to wait at least another week - and Victoria even longer - to be afforded the same opportunity.

In a move confirmed yesterday, the SA government gave clearance for Port Adelaide and Adelaide to do battle in front of up to 2000 fans in the stands, with an additional 240 spectators in private rooms.

Details about which club members or fans will be allowed into the venue were still being finalised.

The decision makes SA the first state to allow spectators at AFL matches since the coronavirus shutdown.

It comes as the Queensland government rejected a claim that it had already approved the Gabba and Metricon Stadium to be at 25 per cent capacity for games as soon as this weekend.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is hopeful of further announcements this week while Gold Coast Suns chairman Tony Cochrane confirmed the club was pushing for a “test crowd” of up to 1000 people at Saturday’s clash with West Coast.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday said the state’s chief health officer was yet to approve any proposals and that spectators would not be allowed at AFL games in the state this week.

“It won’t be this weekend, but we have plans in currently with our chief health officer,” Palaszczuk said.

“We want to see crowds supporting their local football matches but also future netball games (and) sport across the board. We have to be measured and responsible and that’s why the plans are currently with the chief health officer and once she ticks off those plans she’ll get back to those organisations and we’ll be able to make some public announcements.”

GWS have raised the prospect of hosting corporate supporters at their round two match against North Melbourne at Giants Stadium on Sunday.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said there would be no crowds at AFL matches in his state “for the foreseeable future” as it attempts to control the coronavirus spread.