The Queensland government’s decision to impose a three-day lockdown on Greater Brisbane has today meant the AFL has moved Thursday night’s clash between the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood to Marvel Stadium.
The news came after Brisbane recorded four consecutive days of community COVID-19 transmission – jumping from one case per day to four today. The Lions have been stuck in Victoria since news of the transmission broke on Friday night and will now remain in the Victorian capital ahead of Thursday’s clash.
Round 22’s clash between the Lions and Magpies, originally scheduled for Marvel Stadium, will now be played at The Gabba – so Brisbane won’t lose a home game.
It is understood the declaration of Brisbane as a hot spot would’ve been an even bigger problem for Collingwood, who are due to play West Coast in Perth on April 16. At this stage, neither the Sydney Swans, Gold Coast Suns or North Melbourne – who’ve played games in Queensland this year – appear to be affected by the move.
Part of the AFL’s statement reads as follows;
“The AFL confirms the Round Three match between the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood will move from the Gabba to Marvel Stadium.
“The match will be played on the same day and same time as scheduled, Thursday April 1 at 7:40pm AEDT.
“The previously scheduled Round 22 match between Collingwood and Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium will now be held at the Gabba.
“The decision to switch the games comes as the Queensland Government announced a three-day lockdown in Brisbane from 5:00pm today.
“The Brisbane Lions team will remain in Melbourne with the AFL to work through further arrangements post Thursday night.
“AFL General Manager Broadcasting and Clubs Travis Auld said the direct switch of venues was the logical decision based on putting the health and safety of the community first.
“Fans who had previously purchased tickets to the Gabba match in Round Three have the opportunity to use their tickets for the Round 22 return match or receive a full refund.”
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
The debate has three parts 2020 was a unicorn and nobody took advantage,except the Tigers Eagles lost games they should never have and missed the four courtesy of a dodgy goal awarded to the Dogs. Home game would have helped. Duds don't last, except in Melbourne clubs who can nurse their aging players and can afford not to send them on flights to Perth. Freo and the Eagles have to wear their players out. How many three-hundred-gamers do they have between them?
AJ73
Roar Rookie
However, they complained about Hub life pretty loud and clear. Totally different to normal travel. At least the WCE would normally see their own bed 4-5 nights a week unlike hub life.
Slane
Guest
So last year should have been an advantage. A nice holiday from all the travel they usually whine about. Duh.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
thats it hey and could of won it too and not just because of that decision it'll be a good test for collingwood and after last year Brisbane will want to put in a good performance and not let rona effect them after the good run they got last year. I think ill stick with Brisbane by 15 to 17. As much as the rilvarys there being a port supporter I feel for Elliot hes never seemed to of got a good consistent run at things.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
hard one to pick, although Brisbane did play well at Geelong. Of course, I want magpies to win, but who do I pick?
The Dom is good
Roar Rookie
West Coast travel more than any team every year so if they didnt travel as much last year so what
Mr sparkle
Guest
Brisbane haven't made anything remotely resembling a complaint. They've copped this on the chin, as have their fans. Unlike the Eagles team and fans who carried on and on and wanted to lodge a human rights abuse claim at The Hague...
Maxy
Roar Rookie
My bad,i did correct myself above in a comment
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
But it is at Marvel not the MCG.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Yet the Eagles played more home games than most last year. Consider the length of time Melbourne clubs spent away from home while WC were pandered to.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
Some twice? Poor WC. Fact is the Eagles had more home games than most. Alluding to them being so hard done by is a pretty weak position to take.
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
You talkin' about the Cats?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
C'mon, Rowdy. Bartlett played during an era when all teams had their own home ground. Only Melbourne and Richmond shared the G. Plus he played a 'handful' of finals.
O M
Roar Rookie
I didn't actually hear the Lions complain. In fact, all I heard was acknowledgement from Zorko and Fagan that they had the better situation last year and that now it's their turn to deal with some hardship. The season is really on the line for the them now. I can't see them beating the Bulldogs next week so I expect them to win this one.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Think I saw Pendles has played 318 games,200 at the G probably 50 odd at Etihad/marvel as well
Slane
Guest
Surely the Eagles flew/travelled less last year than any other season.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I was tipping Brisbane to win up there but not too sure now, i don’t know whether to change my bloody tip or not.lol.
WCE
Roar Rookie
I hope Brisbane have to stay away from home for 6 weeks in one block like most other teams had to last year , how does it feel? Eagles did it twice like a few other teams so get on with it
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
Suck it up brisbane , you did stuff all travel last year and had a massive comfy ride all year while all other clubs hubbed, some twice . Too bad
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I am sure you meant inconvenient but incontinent will do it for me.