Dockers game in possible venue switch

A match between the Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions scheduled for this Sunday could be moved from Optus Stadium, amid the state’s ongoing COVID-19 situation.

The AFL is reportedly in talks with both clubs about a potential venue shift to the Gabba in Brisbane – a direct swap with the Round 21 clash, which would instead be played in Perth.

The switch means fans will be locked out of Optus Stadium for a third consecutive week, after West Coast defeated Fremantle in front of no crowd during the 52nd Western Derby on Sunday.

Premier Mark McGowan had made the call that morning, saying the expected 45,000-person crowd posed too great a risk.

Fremantle also played North Melbourne at a crowdless Optus Stadium during round 6.

A decision on this Sunday’s clash against Brisbane is expected as early as Monday.