“There is an events framework where we work not just with the AFL but with the NRL,everybody,all those different sports,as well as live theatre,a whole range of different events,” he said.
“It’s too early for us to say what those events will look like next week,let alone beyond that,but we work,the public health team work with the events sector to try and make sure that events happen in a safe way. If we can have crowds,we will,but it’s a bit early for us to forecast that.”
The grand final parade in Melbourne has already been scrapped but the government and the AFL have said they will do all they can to retain the match itself,having had to cede it to Queensland last year in a pandemic-impacted season.
Perth’s Optus Stadium,which hosted a spectacular Dreamtime clash between Essendon and Richmond in front of more than 55,000 fans earlier this year,has gathered support to be the primary back-up should there be a change this season.
Deputy WA Police Commissioner Gary Dreibergs sits on the state’s sports COVID-19 committee and confirmed on Wednesday discussions had been ongoing with the AFL over the prospect of hosting the grand final.
He refused to say what the likelihood was that the state would host the grand final but said it was one of only a few states that could host events of that size.
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“I think that WA is well-placed because we do currently run AFL games here with crowds whereas very few jurisdictions do that,” he said.
Dreibergs said any finals games would be subject to restrictions and directions from the state’s chief health officer. A financial deal would also need to be brokered with the AFL.
Sunday’s derby between West Coast and Fremantle is expected to be played in front of a sellout crowd of more than 55,000.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said discussions with the AFL were “ongoing”.
“They want to complete the season,obviously,and I fully understand that,but we’re not going to do anything that compromises or jeopardises the health of West Australians,” he said.
“So whatever we do will be a COVID-safe measure,it can be done,but it has to be in very,very secure and COVID-safe ways and that’s the conversation that’s being undertaken at the moment.”
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