AFL confirms fixture changes for Round 8 amid NSW's COVID-19 outbreak
The AFL has delayed the start to the GWS Giants' clash with Essendon on Saturday afternoon in order to allow the Bombers to fly in and out of Sydney on game day.
Both the AFL and NRL continue to grapple with the impact of NSW's COVID-19 outbreak, with news of the Sydney Swans' negative tests a massive boost to the AFL after an initial scare involving the team's coaching staff visiting an exposure site.
GWS was initially slated to host the Bombers at GIANTS Stadium at 1:45 pm AEST on Saturday, but the start time has been pushed back to 2:10 pm to allow Essendon to arrive in Sydney on Saturday morning.
As a result, the Gold Coast Suns' clash against St Kilda, initially scheduled for 2:10 pm AEST, has been brought forward for a 1:45 pm start.
Essendon is set to fly into Sydney on Saturday morning ahead of their clash against the GWS Giants Getty
The AFL's confirmed changes came after Essendon coach Ben Rutten said his players were prepared to adjust to any alterations.
"I think guys are pretty accepting of it now, it's part and parcel," Rutten said of potential changes to the fixture.
"We knew coming into the year that it would be a different-looking year on the back of last year as well, so it's a pretty little disruption. Our plan is to travel up there tomorrow, but that might change and that's fine.
"I don't think (flying in on the day has an effect). We saw last year teams were able to win when they did that, so you can make as much of it as you like really, but the guys are pretty well prepared. They're professionals and it's what they do."
