AFL set to move teams out of New South Wales due to coronavirus clusters as severe doubt grows over NSW grand final bid – The West Australian

The four AFL teams based in the New South Wales hub could be on the move effective immediately in an extraordinary development that casts severe doubt over Sydneys grand final hosting ability.
The Swans, Giants, Carlton and Hawthorn are currently camped in New South Wales, with the Blues and Hawks just two of the Victorian-based clubs who have been forced to escape Melbourne.
However with the concerning number of COVID clusters appearing in New South Wales, the AFL is steering clear of any risk by considering moving football out of the state.
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McKenna: Eagles homecoming is timely
What happened this morning, changed completely by this afternoon, veteran journalist Caroline Wilson said on Footy Classified last night.
That is that football is now really concerned about about the numbers – only 13 or 14 today in New South Wales today – but really concerned about those numbers.
Weve seen Gillon McLachlan and his team stay ahead of the curve so weve got Hawthorn now and Carlton headed to Perth at the end of their round eight matches.
Melbourne expected, were told on Friday they were playing Brisbane in Sydney, that game has now been moved to the Sunday night of round eight at Metricon Stadium.
We dont know where this season is going to finish up but New South Wales has become a real concern.
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The stray kitten who lives inside the run-down ANZ Stadium. Credit: ANZ Stadium/twitter/supplied
The grand plan now is to relocate both Sydney and Greater Western Sydney out of New South Wales, potentially up to the Gold Coast.
The news comes as the New South Wales local government tightens its restrictions in place from lunch time today, now classifying Liverpool and Campbelltown as COVID-19 hotspots.
Wilson admitted it didnt bode well for a grand final at the run down venue of ANZ Stadium.
Theyre (all) going to have to stay away for six weeks, possibly longer, she continued.
Were talking now for at least the period of the Victorian lockdown pending staying ahead of the curve.
We dont know whats going to happen in New South Wales but it obviously makes the grand final question even more interesting too because what if it cant be in New South Wales?
What if it has to be moved further north?
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A general view of Optus Stadium. Credit: Paul Kane/via AFL Photos
Optus Stadium is firming as favourite to host the venue should a shift from the MCG be required, which is looking increasingly likely due to Melbournes virus crisis.
The brand new, 60,000 seat stadium will likely be able to offer a full capacity crowd by the time the grand final goes ahead, with a review of the phase 5 guidelines to take place in a fortnight.
While Metricon Stadium is being utilised as a back-up venue for Sydney teams, its lowly capacity of 25,000 ruins its chances of hosting the marquee event.
ANZ Stadium was thought to be a contender due to its 84,000 seat capacity, when using the extra seats built for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
However with stray cats living inside the stadium, which is on the verge of demolition, the AFLs move out of NSW appears to seal its fate.

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