AFL’s floating fixture could hold the key to rescheduled games as Queensland prepares for Cyclone Alfred

“Yeah, I think it helped our team. But I also think the understanding of the clubs after those two years of COVID has us a little more attuned than we would have been otherwise.”

While unavoidable, the rescheduling is a huge blow to the AFL as it sought to make inroads in the northern markets, with its concentrated focus on Queensland and New South Wales for opening round. Last year, the Thursday and Friday night opening round fixture drew a combined average TV audience of close to two-and-a-half million people.

But Dillon said the health and safety of all parties had been the priority.

“As I said yesterday, the priority is that we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone in and around any potential cyclone zone or community impacted by the forecast heavy rains and storm surges,” Dillon said.

“It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding, and our thoughts are with everyone in south-east Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted. Ultimately, we hope this weather event doesn’t eventuate, but we know everyone needs to prepare accordingly, and we don’t want our games to be a distraction to those preparations.

“We want to make the decision now to give clubs and fans certainty in an uncertain environment and allow anyone from Queensland who would normally be involved in this game through coaching, playing, attending or working at the venue time to be home with their families and available in the community if required.

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“I want to thank our clubs for their support and patience, our broadcasters for being aligned with our view that the community and public safety must always come first, [and] the venues and venue partners and our fans for their understanding.”

The league’s opening round will now only feature Friday night’s clash between the Sydney Swans and Hawthorn at the SCG and Sunday’s game between Greater Western Sydney and Collingwood at Engie Stadium.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli had earlier detailed the crisis plans he has for his state ahead of the predicted wild and wet weather.

He said had also spoken with AFL and NRL chiefs ahead of the weekend’s games in Brisbane.

Crisafulli said there were three stages expected of the weather event: Big surf, damaging winds, and significant rain, including flooding and dangerous storms.

“This is something we need to take seriously,” Crisafulli said.

“We are prepared. We are asking all Queenslanders to do the same.”

Authorities are expecting heavy rain from Thursday through until Saturday, with isolated areas experiencing up to 700 millimetres of rain, likely leading to flooding.

Ahead of the league’s announcement, Lions coach Chris Fagan called for the game to be postponed.

“It’s just a game of football. The safety of family, friends, staff and fans is the priority, so that’s why common sense has to prevail,” Fagan said.

Cats coach Chris Scott had also called for the game to be shifted.

“Even in principle, the idea of getting on a plane and flying into the eye of a cyclone doesn’t sound like a great idea,” Scott said.

Fagan said the fact both teams had the bye in round three made moving the clash the ideal solution.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Alfred was forecast to cross the south-east Queensland coast at category 2 strength late on Thursday or early Friday.

with Nick Wright

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