Due to the on-going COVID-19 lockdown in Perth, the West Coast Fever will be leaving Western Australia for Sydney today ahead of Saturday's season opener in Melbourne, under NSW government Stay at Home measures.
With the Perth lockdown due to end tonight, whether there are any changes to the Victorian state border, allowing the team to travel into Melbourne, remains uncertain.
Moving the Fever athletes and staff to Sydney should give the team the greatest opportunity to play this weekend.
Suncorp Super Netball Head of Operations Bill Allen said that both the West Coast Fever and Melbourne Vixens are doing all they can to make sure the game goes ahead in Melbourne as scheduled.
“This game is a really important match for the League. It’s the opening match of the season, it’s the Grand Final replay, and it’s a great opportunity for Vixens to play in front of their home crowd for the first time since 2019.”
“Any decision to change the fixture will occur later in the week and will be based on up-to-date government and health advice.”
While the Fever will still be under NSW restrictions when they arrive in Sydney this afternoon, moving the team to Sydney will allow the team to train together ahead of Saturday's big match.
“We really appreciate the Fever relocating at short notice, we feel this gives us the best chance for the game to take place in accordance with the fixture and provide certainty to Fever with their ability to train leading into the match.”
The league, both clubs and state governments will continue to work together to ensure the best outcome for all athletes, staff, umpires, volunteers and fans.
