With COVID outbreaks around the country forcing Perth, Sydney and Darwin into lockdowns, the AFL could be forced to move teams to Victoria to ensure the season goes ahead.

The league and teams have been clear that they do not want to enter into a hub situation like in 2020, and the AFL does not want to rework the floating fixture.

The Brisbane Lions will board a flight to Melbourne today ahead of their Saturday afternoon clash with the Crows in Adelaide, after South Australia closed its border to the Sunshine State, with the Suns expected to join them.

The AFL is reportedly proposing interstate teams stay in Victoria to play the already established fixture, but promised players earlier in the season that they won't have to spend more than three weeks away from home.

Round 16 is expected to start on Thursday July 1, with the Suns hosting Richmond at Metricon. With Gold Coast's relocation to Melbourne it is expected this game will be moved to the MCG.

Depending on government advice, the Lions should be able to enter Adelaide from Melbourne to play their scheduled match against the Crows, while the only other game outside of Victoria - Fremantle vs Blues in Perth on Saturday night - could be played in Melbourne too. Marvel Stadium will be hosting Hawthorn's clash with Port at the same time, while the MCG will host Melbourne and the Giants at 1:45.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 18: Ryan Lester of the Lions gets a handball away during the round nine AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at The Gabba on May 18, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

What the competition looks like beyond Round 16 is unclear, although Victoria and South Australia have the capability to host all nine games if the border between the states remains open. Tasmania could also be used, allowing people to fly into the state as long as they are not from an area of risk.

In Victoria, the MCG, Marvel and GMHBA stadium are all regularly used, while Mars Stadium in Ballarat is also available for interstate teams.

The league could look at using smaller grounds such as Ikon Park, which is used in the AFLW season, for the Giants' clash against the Suns in Round 17, which would not be expected to draw a large crowd.

VFL Grand Final - Richmond v Williamstown
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Players stand for the national anthem during the VFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and Williamstown at Ikon Park on September 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

The AFL has not revealed the changes to the Round 16 fixture following the Queensland government's newest lockdown announcement, but is expected to do so before Thursday.

Sydney and GWS are currently in Melbourne after fleeing from NSW last week, while Fremantle and the Eagles will fly to Victoria today on a chartered flight together.

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