The AFL has advised that the NAB AFL Women’s competition and the Toyota AFL Premiership season will continue, however fans will not be permitted to attend matches for the foreseeable future.

The league’s position on attendance at games takes effect indefinitely from Saturday, March 14. 

The health and well-being of fans, players, umpires, officials, partners and communities is the priority, with the decision made following advice provided by both Federal and state governments and the State and Territory Chief Medical Officers.

This will obviously impact those GIANTS members and fans that were planning on attending the historic double-header at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday, March 21 - fans who have purchased tickets for next weekend’s double-header via Ticketmaster will receive a refund, while club members will receive further communication in the coming days.

And while the GIANTS and the AFL acknowledge the advice of the medical authorities that there is a potential for interruption across the season, the AFL and the GIANTS will continue to look at all fixturing alternatives to ensure both seasons are completed.

The GIANTS thank all members and fans who have already showed their loyalty in supporting both the AFLW and AFL teams in 2020. We will continue to explore every avenue possible to ensure our members and fans are able to attend games at the appropriate time.

AFL Chief Executive Gillon McLachlan said the AFL would continue to be guided by the most up-to-date advice while acknowledging that matters may continue to evolve.?

GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said the club will manage what is an extremely challenging and unprecedented situation to ensure the best possible outcome for all concerned.

“We are disappointed that our fans won’t be able to attend the historic double header next weekend, but we must put the health and safety of the community first,” said Mr Matthews.

“We have already put in place a raft of measures to mitigate risk and we will continue to work closely with health authorities, the Government and the AFL to get the best possible advice and ensure that we are acting responsibly during this difficult time. 

“We are grateful to our members and supporters for their ongoing support, patience and understanding.” 

The AFL and the GIANTS both have working groups in place that are continuing to monitor the situation.

It is unclear at the moment whether the GIANTS’ next AFL home match, which is scheduled to be played at UNSW Canberra Oval in Round Three, will be played under the same circumstances.

Matches will continue to be broadcast on the Seven Network, Foxtel, the AFL App with thanks to Telstra, and through radio broadcast partners.