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Sydney and GWS are the latest AFL teams forced to relocate because of the COVID-19 pandemic after Queensland's move to close its border to all Sydneysiders.

GWS young gun Tim Taranto is ready to spend the rest of this season living out of a suitcase if required as Sydney's two clubs prepare to join the AFL's COVID-19 exodus.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk declared on Wednesday that the entire NSW capital was deemed a coronavirus hotspot and her state's border would close to Sydneysiders on Saturday from 1:00am.

The AFL's fixtures boss Travis Auld had anticipated such a development, scheduling the Swans and Giants to play their next two games in Queensland before heading to a Hub in Western Australia.

But the border closure still forces the Swans and Giants, who will square off in their cross-city derby on August 13 at Perth's Optus Stadium, to hastily alter a range of plans while confronting the prospect they might not return home for months.

GWS and Sydney were originally scheduled to share a flight on Saturday into Queensland.

They will board separate planes on Thursday, allowing both clubs to take their entire squads and spend a week in Queensland rather than return home after round nine.

Injured superstars Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy, who both have young families, are likely to fly out with teammates and continue their rehab on the road.

The Swans and Giants worked through a range of logistical issues on Wednesday with the league, discussing whether it would be practical or possible for players and staff to enter WA hubs if they didn't depart on Thursday.

Taranto, who will train alongside teammates on Thursday morning at Sydney Olympic Park before heading to the airport, admits he hadn't seen Wednesday's development coming.

"Maybe a little bit concerned (about the prospect of not returning home for a long time), but not too much. I'm kind of excited by the adventure of it all," the 22-year-old said.

"We just have to take it in our stride. There's a bit of uncertainty floating around; that's how it is this year for everyone.

"Talking to a few of the younger boys, they're also excited to get up to Queensland."

Taranto's older teammates might be less enthusiastic about the last-minute change, but the midfielder notes they have mentally prepared to enter a Hub the following week.

"I'm sure there is a lot of stress for those with families, especially younger babies," he said.

"The club is going to do everything it can to make sure they settle in well.

"The Victorian teams have all been there for a while ... it's our turn."

Swans coach John Longmire conceded on Tuesday it was possible his team wouldn't play again this year in Sydney.

"You have to roll with the punches a bit," Longmire said.