Pressure is mounting on the AFL to postpone Thursday night’s season opener in Brisbane, as the impact of Cyclone Alfred looms.
Pressure is mounting on the AFL to postpone Thursday night’s season opener in Brisbane, as the impact of Cyclone Alfred looms.
By Jon Pierik and Nick Wright
Updated March 4, 2025 — 1.16pmfirst published at 11.03am
The AFL is poised to make definitive call on Thursday night’s season opener in Brisbane, after the Queensland government ordered residents to prepare and remain vigilant for Cyclone Alfred.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli held a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, detailing the crisis plans he has for his state ahead of wild and wet weather.
“This is something we need to take seriously,” Crisafulli said.
“We are prepared. We are asking all Queenslanders to do the same.”
Crisafulli said there were three stages expected of the weather event: big surf, damaging winds, and significant rain, including flooding and dangerous storms.
Loading
Authorities are expecting heavy rain from Thursday through until Saturday, with isolated areas experiencing up to 700 millimetres of rain, likely leading to flooding.
Crisafulli’s comments add more pressure on the AFL to postpone the season opener, when the Lions had planned to unfurl their premiership flag ahead of their clash against Geelong. The AFL will release its final decision on whether the game goes ahead late on Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, Lions coach Chris Fagan called for the game to be postponed.
Advertisement
“It’s just a game of football. The safety of family, friends, staff and fans is the priority, so that’s why common sense has to prevail,” Fagan said.
Cats coach Chris Scott and his team were due to fly to Brisbane in the next 24 hours.
“Even in principle, the idea of getting on a plane and flying into the eye of a cyclone doesn’t sound like a great idea,” Scott said on Tuesday.
Fagan said the fact both teams had the bye in round three made moving the clash the ideal solution.
The AFL will also need to make a call on whether Saturday’s clash between the Suns and Essendon on the Gold Coast goes ahead.
The Bureau of Meteorology said Alfred was forecast to cross the south-east Queensland coast at category 2 strength late on Thursday or early Friday.
More to come
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
Jon Pierik is a sports journalist at The Age. He covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.Connect via Twitter or email.
Nick Wright covers sport for Brisbane Times.
Loading