'A very uncertain situation': Incoming cyclone forces AFL into postponing two Queensland matches
Updated . First published at
The vicious cyclone that's about to hit Queensland has forced the AFL into postponing the two games originally scheduled to be played in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast this week.
The AFL confirmed in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that Brisbane's clash with Geelong at the Gabba and the Gold Coast's match against Essendon at People First Stadium had been cancelled.
Details regarding the scheduling of the postponed matches are yet to be announced.
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Round three looms as a likely option for the rescheduling of the Lions-Cats match given both clubs are currently scheduled for a bye at that time.
The rescheduling of the Suns-Bombers game appears more difficult given Gold Coast (round two) and Essendon (round four) currently have their byes scheduled on different weekends.
The cancellation of the Queensland fixtures means this year's Opening Round will only feature two games: Sydney's clash with Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday night and GWS' match against Collingwood at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday afternoon.
Up to 700 millimetres of rain and winds in excess of 130 kilometres per hour are forecast to smash south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales from Thursday due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Brisbane and Geelong players pictured ahead of their 2024 preliminary final. AFL Photos via Getty Images
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon delivered an important message.
"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 in an AFL statement on Tuesday afternoon.
"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."
Speaking to media ahead of the AFL's season launch at Luna Park in Sydney on Tuesday evening, Dillon was coy when quizzed on how the rescheduled games may look.
"We're working through [with] the clubs on that. We've got to see venue availability and how that works with days breaks and the like, as well," Dillon said.
"... There is some flexibility in those middle rounds where we have a bye. So we've just got to work through that, and we're trying to affect as few clubs as possible with those changes that we might have to make."
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon speaks to media at Sydney's Luna Park on Tuesday afternoon. Nine
Dillon also urged people to follow the directions set out by the Queensland government in preparation for Cyclone Alfred.
Residents are urged to secure supplies and prepare their properties.
"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, the venues and venue partners, and our fans for their understanding," Dillon said in the AFL's statement.
