Essendon's season opener against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium is set to be played without spectators, after the AFL communicated its plans for round one of the 2020 season.
After a series of meetings which began before 7am Friday, the AFL commission on Friday evening told its clubs it intended to play all nine matches of round one, as fixtured, as the first part of the contingency plans required to deal with the coronavirus outbreak which is sweeping the world.
It has, though, reserved the right to revisit that decision as new information from federal and state governments, and medical health authorities, comes to hand.
Essendon fans who have purchased tickets for the Bombers' clash with the Dockers via Ticketmaster and Ticketek will receive a refund, while club, AFL and venue members will be communicated to in coming days.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the situation was fluid.
"The health and safety of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners and communities is the priority, so it is important that we take the advice of those that know best, and that advice right now is to continue with matches but not to host mass gatherings which can put everyone at risk," McLachlan said.
“We have said from the outset that we will rely on the advice of the medical experts who have been planning to deal with this situation for some time and we will continue to make decisions based on the advice of the chief medical officers.
“I am disappointed for our fans but we cannot put them in a situation that potentially jeopardises the health and wellbeing of the whole community.
"The landscape is changing quickly. Each organisation has its own set of challenges, but our clubs, players, officials and fans know that the health and safety of all is the No. 1 priority.
“At an AFL club level, our football departments are elite sporting environments. Club doctors and medical staff are well equipped to work through any precautionary measures and manage any player health concerns – this is something they continue to do on a daily basis as they prepare for the season.
“We will continue to provide clubs with protocols to assist with the health and safety of players, officials and supporters. As I said, the situation is fluid and the protocols will be updated regularly to reflect this.” he said.
"We are working through a major issue that impacts the wider community and we will work with all our clubs and industry partners to ensure that footy finds a way."
The AFL has a working group in place that continues to monitor the situation.
Matches will continue to be broadcast on the Seven Network, Foxtel, the AFL App with thanks to Telstra, and through radio broadcast partners.
