The AFL has today moved to reschedule Thursday night’s season opening match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats in Brisbane, along with Saturday’s Gold Coast SUNS vs Essendon match on the Gold Coast.

Out of an abundance of caution and after ongoing communication with the Queensland Government, the Bureau of Meteorology and Stadiums Queensland, the AFL made the decision now to ensure the health and safety of clubs, players, officials and – importantly - the wider southeastern Queensland and northern NSW community remains the priority.

The AFL will announce the alternate schedule for these matches as soon as possible as we continue to work with clubs and venues on possible scenarios. The rescheduled matches won’t be played during Opening Round.

Home club members will be contacted by their respective clubs shortly, while all other ticket holders will be contacted directly by the ticketing agent, regarding changes to match arrangements. (GABBA  Ticketmaster, People First Stadium – Ticketek).

“As I said yesterday, the priority is that we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone in and around any potential cyclone zone or community impacted by the forecast heavy rains and storm surges.” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding, and our thoughts are with everyone in southeast Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted. Ultimately, we hope this weather event doesn’t eventuate, but we know everyone needs to prepare accordingly and we don’t want our games to be a distraction to those preparations.

“We want to make the decision now to give clubs and fans certainty in an uncertain environment and ;allow anyone from Queensland who would normally be involved in this game through coaching, playing, attending or working at the venue time to be home with their families and available in the community if required.

“I want to thank our clubs for their support and patience, our broadcasters for being aligned with our view that the community and public safety must always come first, the venues and venue partners and our fans for their understanding.

“We also encourage all our supporters in the Queensland area to please follow all the directions from the Queensland Government in preparing for Cyclone Alfred.

“I also want to acknowledge our AFL staff in Queensland, at our office in Yeronga, and our game development officers around the state, all whom we are presently working to assist as needed.”

Opening Round will continue with Friday night’s Sydney Swans vs Hawthorn match at the SCG, and Sunday’s GWS GIANTS vs Collingwood match at ENGIE Stadium.