AFL forced to re-shuffle fixture by Victorian goverment as Jeff Kennett blasts 'absurd' call
The Victorian government has shut the door on fans being allowed at AFL fixtures in the state in Round 14, forcing the AFL to reshuffle fixtures interstate yet again.
After being forced to shift its fixtures over the past fortnight, the AFL had been hopeful that the government would allow crowds of up to 50 per cent capacity in Melbourne this weekend.
However, the government shut the door on the proposition, forcing the AFL to move two fixtures to Tasmania after it banned any crowds from attending matches.
North Melbourne's match against the Brisbane Lions, which was originally slated to be held at Marvel Stadium at 4:35 pm AEST on Saturday, June 19, has been moved to Blundstone Arena in Hobart.
Jack Ziebell and the Kangaroos will play in Tasmania for the second consecutive week Getty
Hawthorn's home game against Essendon, which was originally scheduled to be played at the MCG at 3:20 pm AEST on Sunday, June 20, has been moved to UTAS Stadium in Launceston.
The AFL, Essendon, North Melbourne and Hawthorn have agreed to strict protocols as approved by the Tasmanian government, with the three teams to fly in and out of Tasmania via charter planes on the day of its matches.
Friday night's clash between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs will remain at GMHBA Stadium, albeit with no crowd in attendance, after the Cats indicated that they would prefer not to move the game.
The Victorian government's decision to not allow fans for Round 14 was heavily criticised by Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett, who labelled the decision "absurd".
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has been left fuming by the Victorian government's refusal to allow crowds Getty
"Who is running Victoria? Clearly not the Government," Kennett tweeted.
"No crowds at AFL matches in Melb next week. Look at Sydney today! Why not 25 or 50%. No one. Absurd.
"Great for our Tassie members and Ess supporters next Sunday when we play Essendon in Launceston on Sunday.
The AFL is hopeful that crowds will be able to return to fixtures scheduled in Victoria from Round 15 onward, with two blockbuster matches scheduled to be played at the MCG.
