The AFL is pushing ahead with Saturday afternoon’s clash between Fremantle and Richmond at Optus Stadium, despite severe tropical cyclone Narelle pushing through the north of the state.
The category-three storm is sweeping down and expected to impact 800km of coastline on Friday from Pilbara down through Gascoyne.
The cyclone itself isn’t expected to reach as far south as Perth, but the city is still expected to be hit by gale-force winds and potentially up to 100mm of rain across the weekend.
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Fremantle fans sit in the rain. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Naturally, the chief concern is the safety of everyone involved.
AFL executive Laura Kane told 9News Perth on Thursday that the game would proceed at this stage.
“We know that there’s heavy rain predicted, but at the moment, we play on,” she said.
Winds of up to 60km/h are anticipated on Saturday.
Narelle is expected to be downgraded as it continues to head south and with Perth 6000km away, it is unlikely to reach the city.
The wild weather will also impact the Super Rugby on Saturday night, with the Force hosting the Chiefs at HBF Park.
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That game will take place just as the AFL is finishing up six minutes down the road.
At this stage, both sports will proceed as planned, though both games will certainly be impacted by the wild weather.
The AFL postponed multiple games in 2025 due to tropical cyclone Alfred, which hit South East Queensland during Opening Round.
The Dockers and Tigers game gets under way at 1:15pm AWST on Saturday.