AFL chief vows to press on despite Covid scare at the MCG

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has vowed the league will press on with its Victorian-based matches this weekend, after a person infected with Covid-19 attended a game at the MCG on July 10.

The ground was listed as an exposure site on Wednesday morning, as fans attending the Geelong v Carlton fixture are urged to monitor symptoms and get tested.

The fan in question was sitting in level two of the MCC reserves, which has been declared a tier two site. Those who were sitting close to the fan are regarded as tier one exposures.

Despite the Covid scare, McLachlan issued a defiant response regarding the AFL games in Melbourne.

A fan attending the Geelong v Carlton game at the MCG tested positive for Covid. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia

“We’re going to the football this weekend (in Victoria) as it stands today,” McLachlan said.

“We’ll deal with whatever changes come, and that’s what we’ve been doing for 18 months.

“There is change, and challenges continue to come. They’ve been borne by our supporters with the ticketing and the ability to go.”

There are five games set to be played in Melbourne in Round 18, with three of those clashes taking place at the MCG.

McLachlan recognised the need for flexibility, but said that getting fans through the gates is a major aim.

McLachlan says getting crowds to games in Victoria is a priority. Picture: Michael Willson / AFL Photos / Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“At the moment they (Victorian government) are watching, and we have no advice to any planned changes,” McLachlan said.

“But as we know, things change on a day-to-day basis or an hourly basis.

“I’m thrilled that Victorians can get to the football this week, I understand the challenges.

“We’ll continue to navigate the best we can. That’s not worrying me, that part.

“If we can get people to go to the football, it is clearly a priority.”

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