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THE AFL has postponed its two Queensland games in the opening round of its 2025 season due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The AFL.com.au website says Brisbane’s match against Geelong at the Gabba on Thursday night and Gold Coast’s home game against Essendon on Saturday afternoon will be played later in the season.
The details of those rescheduled games will be confirmed later.
The AFL’s opening round is now just two matches; Sydney vs Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday and Greater Western Sydney vs Collingwood on Sunday.
A possible scenario for the Lions v Cats game is to play it in round three when both clubs are due to have a bye, the website says.
There are currently two matches scheduled for Sunday in round three; Adelaide v North Melbourne and West Coast v Fremantle.
The AFL said that after talks with the Queensland Government, Bureau of Meteorology and Stadiums Queensland, it made the decision to ensure the health and safety of clubs, players, officials and fans.
“The AFL will announce the alternate schedule for these matches as soon as possible as we continue to work with clubs and venues on possible scenarios.
“The rescheduled matches won’t be played during opening round,” the AFL statement read.
CEO’S SAY
CEO Andrew Dillon said their priority changed from games to safety.
“… 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.”
“It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding … 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,” Dillon told the AFL website.
“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 …. to be home with their families and available in the community if required.”
