It is looming likely that AFL will be played in front of no crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic, if played at all.

Australia's chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has advised all Premiers, Chief Ministers and Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday that all gatherings of 500 people or more should be cancelled.

The government has followed all recommendations so far.

The league is expected to reveal the fate of round one to all clubs during a 2pm call on Friday afternoon, but it is unclear how soon it will be made aware to the public.

It comes after the Australian Grand Prix was sensationally cancelled earlier in the day.

Unconfirmed industry sources told Seven News that the AFL was already learning towards postponing the start of the season.

The preferred model would see the opening games postponed until late April.

Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Hanger 2026 AFL Season Guide! Packed with 150+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 AFL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION