North Melbourne's clash with Greater Western Sydney in Hobart on Sunday has officially been given the green light.
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Tasmania's Deputy State Controller Scott Tilyard and Public Health on Tuesday ticked off on a plan which would see players fly in and out of the state on Sunday for the Blundstone Arena contest on a chartered flight with, a decision that North Melbourne chief executive Ben Amarfio welcomed.
"This is a fantastic result and we look forward to returning to Tasmania to play this match in front of our members and supporters," he said.
"We are very appreciative of the understanding and support from the Tasmanian authorities and will abide by the set protocols."
The conditions North Melbourne has agreed to with Melbourne presently still in a COVID-19 lockdown are:
- Produce a negative COVID-19 test result on the days prior to travelling to Tasmania, and undertake further testing two days after the match
- Sign declarations stating no visitation to Victorian Tier 1 or Tier 2 public exposure sites
- Travel directly from Victoria to Tasmania and return on the same day via private charter
- Be transported directly between the airport and Blundstone Arena (and back) on a bus organised by the TAS COVID-19 Coordination Centre
- Wear face masks at all times except when eating, training and playing
- Practice social distancing at all times between the Victorian travelling party and on-ground staff
- All training preparations undertaken at Blundstone Arena and all members of the Victorian travelling group must remain within official non-public areas
- No direct interaction with spectators, people not directly involved in the conduct of the game or members of the media
"We know we have a huge responsibility to the wider community to do everything possible to ensure their safety, and a responsibility to make sure the games can continue, so this is a great result for everyone," Amarfio said.
"Our players and football staff have been living under strict restrictions which include working within a bubble and regular testing, minimising risk where possible. We understand it's a delicate situation to navigate but ultimately we have been able to achieve the best possible outcome thanks to the Tasmanian Government and we can't wait to play in front of our fans again."
The game will be played at 3.20pm. Reports have also indicated that the club is investigating moving its round 14 clash with Brisbane from Marvel Stadium to Blundstone Arena, which would give the club three games in a row in the state with its clash against Gold Coast scheduled set for round 15.
North is also scheduled to play Geelong at the venue in round 20 at the end of July.
The Roos fell to Melbourne by 30 points in Hobart in round seven and had their only 2021 victory in Launceston against Hawthorn in round nine.
Alex Fair
Deputy Editor of The Advocate on the North-West Coast of Tasmania.
Deputy Editor of The Advocate on the North-West Coast of Tasmania.
