The Melbourne Football Club has put in place a very stringent strategy to protect its players and staff from the spread of COVID-19.

The Club is being guided by the State and Federal government, as well as the AFL and other relevant health authorities, on how best to protect its people. 

Based on advice from these bodies, the Club has made the decision to segregate its football programs and has implemented the following changes;

• The men’s AFL program has been relocated to Casey Fields
• The women’s AFLW program will have exclusive use of Melbourne’s AAMI Park facilities
• Melbourne’s VFL affiliate team will use a separate area at Casey Fields
• Melbourne’s administration will remain at the MCG or work from home

Melbourne’s football and administration staff with dual roles, across AFL, AFLW and VFL, will be allocated to one program.

These measures are in addition to the latest AFL guidelines that have been distributed to all clubs. As part of the industry-wide action, clubs have been instructed to hold closed training sessions and limit interaction with supporters. 

“We feel that these measures will give both programs the best chance for their environment and individuals to remain healthy, and the best chance for them to perform,” Melbourne Football Club CEO Gary Pert said.

“We are very comfortable with the protocols that have been put in place at AAMI Park in conjunction with tenant clubs and MOPT.

“Segregating our programs and reducing the people involved in each program reduces the risk of the virus presenting within the program, as well as the potential impact if someone was to become infected.

“The health and safety of staff and players and supporters is paramount. The Club will continue to work with governing bodies to closely monitor and respond to any COVID-19 developments.

“We know this is a challenging time for our supporters and we will continue to keep you updated with the relevant information as it comes to hand.”