St Kilda will depart for Sydney following the AFL’s confirmation of the fixture for Round 12.
The Saints will now face Sydney this coming Saturday at the SCG instead of Marvel Stadium, with players, coaches and select staff set to vacate Victoria this Thursday.
As part of the latest alterations to the fixture, Round 12 against Sydney will switch to a home game for the Swans. The two sides are set to meet later in the year in Round 21.
The original fixture had St Kilda playing Adelaide at Cairns' Cazalys Stadium on Saturday June 12 as part of Round 13, before its scheduled bye the following week.
“It’s obviously a complex situation the league finds itself in, but we’re committed to do whatever is necessary to keep the season going,” Chief Operating Officer Simon Lethlean said.
“We understand our players and staff are making another sacrifice by moving interstate and leaving families and loved ones behind, and it’s not something we take for granted.
“While we don’t know what the landscape will look like as the COVID situation evolves in Victoria, we’re ready to accept the challenges of an evolving fixture to keep the competition up and running.”
Co-captain Jack Steele said he and the Saints would make the most of the opportunities presented from relocating interstate.
“Getting the group closer together and getting a bit of connection back amongst us is definitely going to give us an opportunity to perform better on the field," Steele said.
"We can't blame that for our performances this year, but I feel like (time away together) can only help us.
Ticketing information for those in NSW and the ACT will be communicated as soon as possible.
The club thanks all members and supporters for their patience as the AFL, all 18 clubs and stakeholders navigate through this issue with the relevant State Governments and health authorities.
