Roos get clearance for clash in Tassie

NORTH Melbourne will host its first game in Hobart since the start of the pandemic after Tasmania’s chief health officer formally cleared the path for Sunday’s clash with Melbourne to proceed at Blundstone Arena.

The Kangaroos — and the AFL — were breathing a sigh of relief after being informed of the decision on Wednesday afternoon.

There had been doubt on the Round 7 game scheduled for Hobart after North Melbourne was forced into isolation on its return from Perth last Sunday, following that city’s snap three-day lockdown.

The Victorian government had declared Perth a “red zone”, but downgraded it to “orange” when the Western Australian government’s lockdown ended on Tuesday.

That allowed the Kangaroos’ players and staff to get back into the community after they all received negative COVID tests.

North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio praised the Victorian and Tasmanian governments for their diligence and for allowing the game to go ahead as scheduled.

“The Victorian and Tasmanian governments have been transparent and vigilant throughout the process,” Amarfio said. “It was a delicate situation but ultimately we have the best outcome possible and will play in Hobart for the first time this season.”

It’s a big win for the bottomof-the-ladder Kangaroos, who were desperate to return to Tasmania for the first time since late 2019.

The club is in the final year of a deal to play four matches a season at Blundstone Arena.

“We have close to 6000 members and lots of supporters in Tasmania who have all been deprived,” Amarfio said.

“Melbourne is a top of the ladder team and we expect a great contest.”