An empty Optus Stadium ahead of West Coast's round one clash with Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos

WESTERN Australia's push for a Perth-based hub is gathering momentum, with the state's premier Mark McGowan announcing that Optus Stadium can be at full capacity from next month.

The state continues to ease COVID-19 restrictions, with McGowan confirming on Monday that sporting grounds will be allowed to be at 50 per cent capacity from this Saturday and then 100 per cent capacity from July 18.

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It would mean that Optus Stadium could host as many as 30,000 supporters at AFL games once West Coast and Fremantle return from the Gold Coast hub on July 5, then reach its full 60,000-supporter capacity from round seven.

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The move comes after West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett outlined that plans are currently being shaped for a Western Australian hub, which could come into effect once the Eagles and Dockers finish their four-week stint in Queensland after round five.

"The planning has been behind the scenes for a couple of weeks now," Nisbett told ABC Perth.

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"The police commissioner has been looking at the options, along with the chief health officer, for clubs to fly into Perth and stay in a hub.

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"They'd have to be isolated and their only option would be to isolate at a hotel in Perth and then play games at Optus Stadium. But that would be the extent of what they'd be able to do while they're in Perth.

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"Hopefully, after that 14-day period, they'd then be able to play both West Coast and Fremantle so that we could get some games away in what is a fairly disrupted season at the present stage."

Nisbett revealed the plan for a Perth-based hub would entail "two or three" interstate sides coming into Western Australia, playing each other while serving their 14-day isolation period, then facing West Coast and Fremantle before returning home.

"I think it is (feasible), particularly with the teams that are isolating having the ability to play each other while they're in isolation," Nisbett said.

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"Then, after that two-week period, they can play the two teams based in Western Australia.

"Obviously there are precautions that will need to be taken and everyone is going to have to follow strict protocols, but it is possible.

"It may mean that the season pushes out a bit further than the AFL originally wanted, but that's part and parcel to what we'll have to do in this season which is totally disrupted."

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