Restrictions on crowd numbers eased on eve of season

In welcome news for football clubs, new directives from the State Government have seen the public events framework that affects crowd restrictions readvised.

Clubs and leagues will not be required to go through the same public health approval process to have crowds up to 5000 people under the new regulations.

For matches that are expecting crowds of under 5000 people, they will now be designated as a ‘low risk tier 2 event’.

This means crowds can exceed the previous limit of 1000, if proper COVID safe protocols remain in place, which had caused concerns for some clubs around the region.

AFL Victoria Regional Manager for Gippsland Nick Fogarty said the new limit is a real positive for leagues and clubs in the lead up to round one.

“The biggest positive is clubs who needed to apply to have over 1000 at their games, won’t have to submit the 19-page request anymore, while also not having the stress of waiting 6-8 weeks for it to be reviewed,” he said.

With the Easter weekend around the corner, marquee games that often draw big crowds will now be able to welcome more patrons without having to turn them away at the gate. 

Mr Fogarty said he had a figure he hoped for before the season but was surprised when the announcement was made.

“I had my fingers crossed we’d get towards that 2000-3000 limit but was completely blown away with AFL Victoria was advised it would be 5000,” he said.

The onus is mostly on patrons to abide by the rules, with AFL Victoria providing clubs with posters and QR codes for fans to check in.

Mr Fogarty said he expected AFL Victoria to release a new set of protocols shortly to coincide with the latest announcement.