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Tas govt awaits advice on North AFL game

3 minute read

The Tasmanian government hopes to make a call in the next few days about whether North Melbourne's AFL match against Melbourne can be held in Hobart.

Tasmania's government is awaiting public health advice on whether AFL side North Melbourne should be allowed to enter the state.

The Kangaroos are isolating at home for 14 days, apart from training and playing, after being in Perth during the city's snap coronavirus lockdown.

They're scheduled to host undefeated Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday but may not be given travel clearance by the Tasmanian government.

"We will rely on public health advice and ultimately the advice of the deputy state controller," Premier Peter Gutwein said on Monday.

Western Australia is expected to on Monday provide an update on the 72-hour hard lockdown which was implemented in Perth and the Peel region from midnight on Friday.

"Obviously that will inform our public health director here in Tasmania," Mr Gutwein said.

"Noting there's a lot of planning that goes in to an AFL game, I'd expect we would know somewhere in the next 48 hours or so.

"If those restrictions are reduced, then we may be in a position to have that game go ahead."

North Melbourne confirmed on Monday all players and staff tested for COVID-19 had returned negative results.

The club lost to Fremantle in an empty Optus Stadium on Saturday night, after the West Australian government announced the lockdown.

It was sparked after a man contracted the virus while staying at one of WA's quarantine hotels.

The AFL on Sunday confirmed the Kangaroos had arrived back in Melbourne and have been given exemptions so the season can continue as planned.

Melbourne's Marvel Stadium is free this Sunday, leaving the AFL with an option if the match can't be held in Tasmania.

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