Geelong Granted Permission To Enter South Australia

South Australia Health have provided Geelong Cats with an exemption to enter the state for their upcoming match against Port Adelaide.

A repeat scenario of the Collingwood-Adelaide game, the Cats will follow strict protocols and guidelines as they prepare for a fly-in, fly-out schedule. The news was confirmed at an 11th hour, with the contest played on Thursday night.

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The state's Deputy Public Health Officer, Chris Lease says the club will follow a complete list of rules, to avoid any contact with the public.

"Pre-travel, the Geelong Football Club has gone into an isolation phase, that is to reduce any risk of picking up infection in the community in the days leading up to the game." he said.

In a club statement, Port Adelaide Chief executive officer Matthew Richardson thanked both the State Government and league officials for allowing the contest to go ahead.

“There were a number of matters to consider with a decision like this and we are grateful to SA Health, the AFL and to the Geelong Football Club for ensuring Thursday night’s game is played as fixtured at Adelaide Oval,” he said.

“This is a big game for our club, our partners and our people and a great reward for the patience and diligence of the South Australian community with regard to how we have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In saying that, it is important that our players and staff and our supporters adhere to the protocols in place to ensure the safety of the community. We would encourage everyone planning to attend the game to wear their facemask as required and do the right things with regards to distancing and hand-washing to keep us all safe.”

Adelaide Oval will hold strict measures in place over the event's duration on Thursday night.

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