AFL games in Victoria will be played in front of empty stadiums for at least the next two weekends, Victorian premier Daniel Andrews confirmed today.

While Victoria will be eased out of lockdown at 11.59pm on Tuesday night, footy fans will have to wait longer to attend games.

It leaves round 22 as the earliest possible return for fans at matches in Victoria, falling three weeks out from the beginning of finals and six weeks from the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final.  

The Bulldogs will host Adelaide at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday, but for the first time in seven games at the venue for the Club, fans will be unable to watch from the stands.

“We’re very disappointed our members and fans can’t be there with us in Ballarat against the Crows on Saturday and again at Marvel Stadium for our round 21 match against Essendon,” said Bulldogs’ CEO Ameet Bains.

“We thank all our members and fans for their unwavering loyalty and support and look forward to welcoming them back to the footy as soon as the State Government restrictions allow.

“We will continue to review all relevant member access and entitlement arrangements, and specifically in relation to finals access as we get closer to September.

“Our staff are available to speak to any member wishing to discuss their membership options and ways in which they can continue to maintain their much-valued support of the Club.”

In a statement, the AFL said on Tuesday: “The AFL acknowledges the Victorian State Government decision to continue to play AFL matches without crowds over the next two weeks.”

“The health and wellbeing of the community has always been the priority and the AFL will continue to work with the Victorian State Government and health officials on the return to crowds at AFL matches.”

The Bulldogs’ membership team can be contacted on 1300 GO DOGS (46 36 47) or via email.