MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Tigers fans celebrates a goal during the round one AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

The AFL is set to allow crowds back in Victoria for Round 1, reports AFL Media's Mitch Cleary.

However, crowd sizes will be capped at 50 per cent, with 50,000 at the MCG and just under 29,000 at Marvel Stadium.

The State Government will make an announcement surrounding crowds returning today.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan was thrilled that fans would be able to return to games. 

"Footy fans in Victoria have been excited about getting back to matches and we have seen that with great numbers across the opening rounds of the AFLW season," McLachlan said in a statement. 

"We haven't had footy crowds this big in Victoria since the match to support bushfire relief in February last year, so this announcement provides a big boost for our players and fans.

"Our team has been working extensively behind the scenes planning for multiple scenarios and all our venues will be ready to welcome fans back into the stands come next month."

 

AFL Rd 2 - Collingwood v Richmond
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 11: A general view prior to the round 2 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 11, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)


It will mark the biggest sporting crowds in Victoria since the COVID-19 pandemic first spread around Victoria in March last year.

AAMI Community Series crowds will also be capped at 50 per cent.

Richmond and Carlton kick off the official 2021 season on Thursday March 18.