Sunday’s AFL derby in Perth will be played in front of empty stands because of the city’s latest COVID-19 scare.
Optus Stadium was set to be three quarters full for the marquee match between West Coast and Fremantle, which comes a week after fans were barred from attending a clash between the Dockers and North Melbourne at the same venue.
However, Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announced on Sunday morning that would no longer be the case.
The change comes after a hotel security guard and two of his close contacts tested positive to COVID-19.
“I understand people will be disappointed and some people will be frustrated,” Mr McGowan said.
“The decision has been made on health advice and we have tried to communicate this as quickly as possible.
“Having 45,000 people try to get to Optus Stadium at the same time is too much of a risk, especially as we are still going through the close contacts.”
The state government has opted against another snap lockdown, but McGowan cautioned that “if we need to go back into lockdown we will”.
“That decision will be based on the latest health advice,” he told reporters.
The AFL has navigated the opening seven rounds of this season with limited coronavirus-related disruptions, although the Brisbane Lions spent several rounds in Victoria because of a lockdown in their home city.
Another lockdown in Perth would affect the ease of interstate travel in the coming week, delivering a knock-on effect for the league.
The Eagles are slated to tackle Hawthorn at the MCG in round eight, while the Dockers host Brisbane at Optus Stadium.
North Melbourne returned home after their recent trip to Perth, but had to wait until Wednesday to get the green light to host Sunday’s clash with Melbourne in Hobart.
Philbert
Guest
"The intelligent individual listens to a wide range of experts that have arrived at differing conclusions based on the same evidence, and arrives at their own conclusions ie they can think for themselves. Some also spend many weeks reading medical journals and case studies." Very true. Well said. And yet you've evidently done none of that considering your post was some rambling on the defence of your "freedoms" to assemble and freely move...both of which the High Court has repeatedly said can be curtailed in times of emergency. Swing and a miss, son. Medical experts in key decision making positions fundamentally disagree with you and your fictitious counter medical advice.
Lukey Miller
Guest
Well the Warden runs the show over here. One sniff is enough for him to close everything down. He practically closed down the State not long ago over just one infection. He could get a job as prison warden anywhere as he is great at locking doors and locking people down. The Premier in NSW makes him look very ordinary - she doesn't panic or lock-down the state everytime someone is infected. If Gladys was here, today's game would have had a crowd. What a girl!
Blitz
Guest
The intelligent individual listens to a wide range of experts that have arrived at differing conclusions based on the same evidence, and arrives at their own conclusions ie they can think for themselves. Some also spend many weeks reading medical journals and case studies. The unintelligent individual “appeals to authority” and often attempts to discredit the person with an opposing view in an attempt to disarm them ie exactly what you have done!
Philbert
Guest
The intelligent individual listens to the advice of experts. You plug your ears and listen to only your own thoughts. There's a good reason why other people are in leadership positions and you aren't...
Blitz
Guest
How about no lockdowns and freedom to assemble and move freely? Now that’s a novel idea! How quickly we forget and acquiesce.
Blitz
Guest
The issue is freedom, namely lack thereof!
Blitz
Guest
More oppression than protection.
nics
Roar Rookie
Big outs on both sides. Expecting a good old fashioned slog
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I lived in Perth for like 7 years and I still laugh at the fact that I lived in the "suburbs" that were like 50 minutes from the CBD. So spread out yet, yes, so isolated.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
In fairness, we've got some significant outs too. Plus we're, you know, Freo. It's going to be a hard, tough clash. Good luck man :thumbup:
nics
Roar Rookie
I look forward to watching Harry Edwards and Allen in the backline actually.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Have you seen our outs? Must (should) win game for Freo. I’m half dreading watching it, and also rather curious how we go about working with what we have.... As long as we’re competitive, that’s the main thing. Let the wine flow.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
It does seem that he's enjoyed this more than most. I lived in Perth for a while, nice place but it is pretty isolated and I got the feeling a lot of people liked it that way.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Freo would've lost about $1mil without crowds last week, too. Horrible for both Freo and West Coast. Also "very likely" loss? I'm uncomfortable with all these "West Coast are gonna lose" rumours"
DTM
Roar Rookie
Not a silly question. Big advantage Freo - they are used to not having a crowd.
DTM
Roar Rookie
I agree. I dont agree with the decision but I'm not overly upset by that. However, the timing was disgraceful. Should have been announced Saturday night. No excuses. Some people travelling a distance to attend and may not have heard the news until it was too late. Me, I had my Eagles shirt and cap on and was planning to leave when I got the message so not a major inconvenience. I have friends in UK and USA who have done it tough lately. Also doing business with people in India opinion there is actual numbers of infections are about 10 times what is reported.
DTM
Roar Rookie
In the scheme of things, it's hard to complain when there are people dying around the world and we can't go and watch a game of footy. However, if this decision is because of the "health advice" why wasn't it communicated to the public last night? The information from last night to 11am didn't change. The problem is McGowan is revelling in the dramatic announcements that he makes. I think it is time that the people providing this "health advice" front the cameras and make all the announcements.
nics
Roar Rookie
Or he could you know be following advice from the Chief health officer re how to reduce potential spread? How do you think the officer does his job? Zipping around eradicating virus particles one by one or providing public health advice?
Nico
Roar Rookie
Did I just hear fox footy say no crowds = 1M $$$ loss to West Coast. :shocked: Wow. Our season going from bad to worse by the minute, with a very likely loss to Freo coming up for the cherry on top. Hang in there boys.
Mitcher
Guest
Mr McGowan must have so little faith in his chief health officer. Hardly surprising after his hysterical behaviour calling on another state to shut down last year.