The AFL has announced it will scrap the pre-finals bye tradition, with the finals series to start immediately following the conclusion of the home and away season.
The decision by the AFL comes after Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Melbourne's current lockdown would be extended until September 2.
But in another twist, the AFL Grand Final remains fixtured for the date of September 25, which means the AFL will have the option to use the bye round at some stage during the finals or in the week before the grand final.
The AFL's bye round before the first week of the finals series was introduced in 2016.
"As we continue to navigate such uncertain times and the challenges associated with delivering matches across multiple states, we want to ensure the momentum of the season isn't compromised in the lead up to the 2021 Finals Series," said AFL broadcasting boss Travis Auld.
"We will approach the finals as we have the last 18 months, and that is to remain flexible and agile while monitoring an evolving set of circumstances in front of the competition.
"Our game is not immune to the uncertainty and the challenges in the wider community. We have had to make decisions all year to mitigate risk to keep the season going and now to ensure we deliver fans an epic and memorable month of AFL Finals.
"If circumstances require in the lead up to the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final, then we have the ability to pause for a week, ensuring we deliver on our commitment to provide the two competing clubs, their members and fans, the biggest and best sporting event of the year."
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from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/afl/afl-scraps-prefinals-bye-amid-covid-chaos-in-victoria/b98430f9-d7f0-4ab1-8ef3-81f12badc371
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