THE AFL has rescheduled and altered the three VFL matches that were postponed in Queensland last weekend to allow the competition to charge on towards the finals.

The games – Gold Coast v Southport, Aspley v Essendon and Brisbane Lions v Sydney – were called off when the Queensland government announced a snap three-day lockdown on Saturday morning, providing another obstacle for officials to overcome.

They have been able to do so, with the six teams affected to now play in Round 18 next week instead of a previously scheduled bye.

The Suns and Sharks must face each other as that clash was halfway through the opening quarter when it was called off to allow the Suns to make the dash to Victoria for what turned out to be a Sunday AFL clash against Melbourne.

With Essendon and Sydney having returned to Melbourne, they will play each other in Round 18, with Aspley now set to face the Lions in Queensland, pending ongoing restrictions in that state for community sport.

The AFL remains committed to completing the VFL competition with all clubs playing 12 home-and-away games before the finals start on the weekend of August 28 under the usual top eight system, with the Grand Final scheduled for Sunday, September 19, at Marvel Stadium.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the league had the discretion to amend the rules, adopting a consistent approach to games affected by COVID restrictions, and commended everybody involved on their flexibility.

"The weekend presented a new challenge and we thank all participants for their support and understanding with the three matches," Salter said.

"While the fixture continues to be a week-to-week proposition, we will continue to make changes that best navigate the current environment and to keep the competition going for all players, coaches and fans.

"But the No.1 priority remains to protect the health and safety of those in our game and the wider community."

Information on crowds and ticketing for this week’s Round 17 (below) will be communicated as soon as those details are finalised.

ROUND 17

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7

Carlton v Williamstown (IKON Park) 10.30am - YouTube
Port Melbourne v Collingwood (ETU Stadium) 1pm – YouTube
Coburg v Sandringham (Piranha Park) 1pm – YouTube
Richmond v North Melbourne (Swinburne Centre) 1.05pm – Kayo
Werribee v Geelong (Avalon Airport Oval) 2.05pm – Kayo

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8
Casey Demons v Northern Bullants (Casey Fields) 12.05pm – Kayo, RPPFM

BYE

Aspley, Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions, Essendon, Footscray, Frankston, Gold Coast, GWS, Southport, Sydney

 VFL MATCHES COMPLETED (TARGET: 12)

11 – Frankston, GWS
10 – Aspley, Box Hill Hawks, Brisbane Lions, Coburg, Essendon, Footscray, Gold Coast, North Melbourne, Northern Bullants, Richmond, Southport, Sydney
9 – Carlton, Casey Demons, Collingwood, Geelong, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Werribee, Williamstown 

Twitter: @BRhodesVFL

Keep track of your VFL team via our all new VFL Match Centre, which features live scores, team and player stats, match timeline, events summary and even Fantasy points. Check it out here.

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