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ue to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the AFL has confirmed its heading West, announcing Optus Stadium in Perth as the host of the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final.

After completing quarantine, an AFL operations team will be based in Perth and will work with the WA Government on the upcoming plans as further details are to be released in the coming weeks.

All players, officials and staff will continue to be led by and adhere to all WA Government protocols while in the state.

AFL, CEO, Gillion McLachlan said: “On behalf of the AFL, I want to thank the Victorian Government, led by Premier Daniel Andrews and Sports Minister Martin Pakula, and the Melbourne Cricket Club for their continued partnership and support for football from the community level all the way through to the elite,” he said.

“Today’s announcement is not what any football loving Victorian wanted to hear, but the health and safety of the wider community has been a priority throughout this season and must continue to be the priority as we all navigate through this pandemic.

“We will be back at the MCG, bigger and better in 2022.

“I do want to acknowledge our supporters who have stuck by the Game and stuck by their clubs in record numbers throughout the uncertainty this year.

“The connection they have with their clubs is unmatched in the world of sport.

“The announcement today gives us the clarity and time needed to deliver the competing clubs and fans the best Grand Final experience possible, whether that is in a stadium for those in WA, or through Channel 7 broadcast for millions of fans around the country, and indeed the world.

Mr McLachlan also thanked the Western Australian Government and Premier Mark McGowan for welcoming the Game and hosting the 2021 Toyota Grand Final.

“Season 2021 has proven to be really challenging on many fronts, and we wouldn’t have reached this point without the support of all state and territory governments across the year,” McLachlan said.

“The AFL Grand Final is the biggest sporting event in the country, and our players, clubs and supporters want it to be played in front of a crowd, and I would like to thank Premier McGowan and the WA Government for their commitment to make this happen.

“Western Australian footy fans are as passionate as any in the country and the stadium in Perth, with a capacity crowd of 60,000 in attendance, will be a great spectacle, not only for the city of Perth but for all footy fans around the world.

“The Grand Final event and the extensive lead up across the WA community, including Weeks Two and Three of this year’s final series, will go a long way to leaving a lasting legacy in the state for many years to come,” McLachlan said.

The AFL grand final will be held on Saturday, 25 September.