Fremantle have been advised by the AFL to travel to Victoria to ensure the 2021 AFL Premiership Season can continue amid the current Covid-19 situation in WA, NSW and Queensland.
 
The Club is one of four clubs flying to Victoria on Tuesday afternoon, joined by West Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast.
 
Fremantle will fly to Victoria on a charter flight and will be Covid-tested on arrival and isolate until all travelling members receive a negative result.
 
It means that Fremantle’s Round 16 clash against Carlton will not go ahead as fixtured and will now take place at an alternate venue to be advised.
 
Fremantle CEO Simon Garlick said that this was an unfortunate but necessary move for the Club.
 
“Given the situation that emerged in WA last night and the subsequent lockdown imposed, there was not enough certainty to play our round 16 clash against Carlton in Perth this weekend,” Garlick said.
 
“While this is obviously disappointing to our members, supporters and players, we all need to work with the AFL and other clubs to keep the season progressing - travelling to Melbourne this afternoon ensures this happens.
 
“We will now take the time to work through further details and will advise our members what this means as soon as we are able to.
 
“We have had the most incredible support from our members and supporters throughout the past 18 months, and while we won’t be able to play in front of them this weekend, I know our players will continue to feel that support no matter where we play.”
 
AFL Executive General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld said the decision to bring clubs to Victoria has been made to best manage the evolving situation across the country.
 
“We will continue to remain adaptable as the season progresses in a constantly changing environment,” Auld said.
 
“While COVID-19 continues to impact the community, we will work closely with state governments, health officials, our clubs and players to ensure the best possible outcome for everyone in game.
 
“The four teams travelling today will fly to Victoria via charter flights and will be Covid-tested on arrival and isolate until they each receive a negative result.”