The AFL has received a major boost on the eve of the 2022 season with the league confirming Victorian stadiums will be allowed to operate at 100 per cent capacity.
Victoria has copped the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two seasons, with the AFL forced to shift the grand final away from the MCG on both occasions after outbreaks in the state.
Round 1 will see all 10 Victorian clubs play in their home state, the first time they’ve done so since Round 20, 2016. The showpiece match on the opening weekend will be the season-opening grand final rematch between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on March 16.
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“We want to get big crowds back to the footy, the weekly ritual of being able to go to a game and the sense of community it creates, connecting families and friends is something we have missed in the state,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in a statement.
“On behalf of the AFL I would like to thank the Victorian State Government, specifically Premier Daniel Andrews, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula and Minister for Health Martin Foley for continuing to work with us and safely get as many fans back to the footy as possible.
“We have a big finish to our AFLW home and away season which again has been warmly embraced by fans and supporters across the state, rolling straight into our AFL season and the Grand Final rematch on the Wednesday night at the MCG.
“Our AFLW Finals series and start of our AFL Season is an exciting time for fans, we look forward to seeing crowds return to our venues in huge numbers as well as to all the surrounding business and venues that rely on footy and big events being staged across the city.
“Footy can hopefully help bring the heartbeat of the city back to Melbourne and back to the state of Victoria.”