Swans tied up in Brisbane's COVID-19 chaos

The Sydney Swans are seeking exemptions to train ahead of their Round Three clash against Richmond after Brisbane's COVID-19 outbreak.

While Sydney had a home match in Round Two, their visit to Brisbane for the season-opener back on March 20 means that the side is now subjected to NSW Health's stay at home order.

According to NSW Health's latest guidelines, anyone who has visited Brisbane since March 20 is now required to observe the same three-day snap lockdown that was enforced in Brisbane from 5pm AEST on Wednesday.

"Sydney Swans players and staff who travelled to Brisbane in round one are abiding by NSW Health orders," a Swans spokesperson told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"The club, along with the AFL are working closely with the relevant authorities and we continue to prepare for this Saturday's match against Richmond at the MCG."

Brisbane's COVID-19 cluster has caused the AFL to be agile already, with Thursday night's fixture between Brisbane and Collingwood moved to Marvel Stadium, after it was originally slated to be played at the Gabba.

Queensland's second team, the Gold Coast Suns, have also been required to depart the state on Tuesday morning via a chartered flight from the Gold Coast.

"The team will embrace whatever lies ahead and will continue to prepare for Friday night's fixture in a professional manner," the Suns said in a club statement on Monday.

"While the pandemic continues to impact the community, the health and welfare of everyone in the game and in the community remains the priority and the AFL is committed to delivering a full season in a safe manner anchored in the advice of public health officials and medical experts.

Despite Suns players and stuff not being in the Greater Brisbane area, the team will travel early for their clash against the Adelaide Crows in order to satisfy South Australia's border requirements.

South Australia imposed a hard border with Greater Brisbane from 4pm AECT on Monday.

Any travellers who have arrived from Greater Brisbane since March 20 are now banned from entering venues where more than 1000 people are gathered including AFL games.

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