VICTORIAN footy fans could be stuck on the couch until well into July.
It was hoped that crowds could return in large numbers in Round 4 as some state governments continue to open the turnstiles for AFL matches.
Plans had been underway for the MCG, Marvel Stadium and GMHBA Stadium to host as much as 25-30 per cent of their capacity in a significant reunion between the game and its fans.
But that now appears unlikely, with the Victorian Government understood to be concerned about public transport usage and the recent jump in COVID-19 cases that health authorities fear could be the early stages of a “second wave”.
SEN.com.au has been told the focus has now shifted to mid-July and the potential for crowds to return in Victoria around Round 7.
The delay comes as crowds of up to 2000 will be at three AFL games this weekend after Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Wednesday further loosened the restrictions on mass gatherings.
The Brisbane Lions-West Coast, Gold Coast-Adelaide and Fremantle-Port Adelaide matches will all be open to a select number of supporters in Round 3.