AFL boss Gillon McLachlan not ruling out interstate hubs for Melbourne sides as crisis grows

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan hasn't ruled out moving the ten Victorian clubs interstate following the COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.

The spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria has had a flow-on effect for the AFL, with the round five draw changed because of renewed travel restrictions.

The Queensland government has advised the AFL it has altered travel exemptions that were in place due to the rising number of cases in the southern state.

It means Richmond won't be able to travel to the Gold Coast to play West Coast on Thursday night.

McLachlan said this week's changes are unlikely to be the last.

"We've altered this week's fixtures to accommodate the changes," he said.

"We'll look at the implications of fixtures over the coming weeks and make further changes as required."

McLachlan said the challenges posed by the virus will be ongoing.

"Football people love predictability, order and routine," he said.

"This is a season predictability, order and routine has been, and will continue to be, difficult.

"Flexibility and agility are going to be the key traits needed to navigate the challenges provided by the COVID-19 pandemic."

The change in position from the Queensland government has effectively made it impossible for Melbourne-based teams to fly in and fly out of Queensland on an ad-hoc basis.

"The alteration requires that any Queensland or Queensland-based team who plays in Melbourne or against a Melbourne team in Queensland is required to quarantine after the match for 14 days if they are remaining in or returning directly to Queensland," the AFL said in a statement.

The Tigers will now stay in Melbourne to play the Demons this weekend, while Sydney will travel to Metricon Stadium to play the Eagles.

The Swans and the Demons had been due to meet on Sunday at the SCG.

The change also means Gold Coast will have to quarantine after playing Geelong on Saturday, with McLachlan confirming the Cats are considered a Melbourne team by the Queensland government.

Victoria has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in the last fortnight, with 75 cases reported today, on the back of 49 identified yesterday and 41 positive results on Saturday.

It's not the first time the coronavirus pandemic has directly impacted the AFL draw. Earlier this month the scheduled match between Essendon and Melbourne had to be postponed after Bombers' defender Conor McKenna tested positive for COVID-19.

The rescheduled round five has had an impact on other clubs, with the match between Carlton and St Kilda moved from Saturday to Thursday night.

Revised Round Five draw (all times EST).

Carlton vs St Kilda, Thursday 7:40pm, Marvel Stadium

Collingwood vs Essendon, Friday 7:50pm, MCG

West Coast vs Sydney, Saturday 1:45pm, Metricon Stadium

Geelong vs Gold Coast, Saturday 4:35pm, GMHBA

Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne, Saturday 7:40pm, Marvel Stadium

Brisbane vs Port Adelaide, Saturday 7:40pm, Gabba

Adelaide vs Fremantle, Sunday 1:05pm, Metricon Stadium

Melbourne vs Richmond, Sunday 3:35pm, MCG

GWS vs Hawthorn, Sunday 6:10pm, Giants Stadium