Decision made on stranded clubs

Both South Australian clubs will return home just one week after they were scrambled into Victoria to keep the season alive.

The Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide endured a tumultuous day of travel after the South Australian government announced a snap lockdown last week which would’ve prevented the clubs from training in their home state.

The original plan was to shift the clubs to Victoria last Tuesday morning, then they were turned back when they arrived at the airport in the afternoon. Eventually both clubs temporarily set up shop in Victoria later that night.

With the changing Covid landscape across the country, the AFL also managed to finalise the fixtures for Round 20.

The Adelaide Crows will fly home after their Round 20 fixture. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

The Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons will place at Metricon Stadium — the Suns’ stomping ground — on Saturday afternoon, while the GWS Giants take on the Power at Metricon on Sunday afternoon. Both games are scheduled to begin at 3:10pm.

AFL executive general manager for clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said he was thankful to finally lock in all fixtures for the upcoming round of footy.

“We thank the four clubs, broadcast partners, and the venue – Metricon Stadium – for their patience as we finalised details for the respective matches to be played on Saturday and Sunday,” Auld said.

“The health and safety of those in our game and the wider community remains paramount and we would like to thank the Queensland Government for their continued support of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

“Following their game on Saturday, Melbourne will travel from the Gold Coast to Western Australia to commence their quarantine period ahead of their Round 21 match against the West Coast Eagles.

The Power will end their one-week exile from their home state on Sunday. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

“The two South Australian teams – the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide – will return home to South Australia after their respective Round 20 matches this weekend.

“Meanwhile, the Brisbane Lions will travel from Tasmania to Western Australia via charter flight after their Round 20 match against Hawthorn to commence a quarantine period ahead of their Round 21 match against Fremantle, with permissions to train and play in line with Western Australian Government directions.

“As we continue to navigate the challenges presented by the pandemic, we would like to thank all State and Territory Governments, clubs, players, coaches, umpires, staff, AFLPA, broadcast partners and all the families for their continued patience and support.”

ROUND 20 FIXTURE (all times AEST)

Friday July 30

St Kilda v Carlton, 7.50pm at Marvel Stadium

Saturday July 31

Western Bulldogs v Adelaide, 12.20pm at MARS Stadium

North Melbourne v Geelong, 1.15pm at Blundstone Arena

Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne, 3.10pm at Metricon Stadium

Collingwood v West Coast Eagles, 4.15pm at MCG

Essendon v Sydney Swans, 7.40pm at The Gabba

Sunday August 1

Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions, 2.10pm at UTAS Stadium

GWS Giants v Port Adelaide, 3.10pm at Metricon Stadium

Source: Read Full Article