A fleeting moment of concern has been quelled by West Australian authorities, after a truck driver tested positive for COVID-19 in New South Wales, after spending two days last week in Perth.
This weekend, WA is hosting a historic AFL Grand Final between between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, a first for the state.
On 19 September the truck driver returned a positive test result after returning from WA. His colleague thankfully, has continued to test negative since the results.
WA Health Minister Roger Cook told media it was understood the drivers had slept in their truck during their time in the state and and made little contact with others, but assured that the state will be on alert for any “mystery cases” that may appear.
“I am confident … particularly given the other driver was negative and we understand their movements and the short time they were in WA, I am very confident,” he said.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson confirmed there will be no changes to the AFL Grand Final schedule.
“There is no change that has been planned in respect of the conduct of the game or indeed in any other conditions,” he said.
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The 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final will take place at Perth’s Optus Stadium, starting at 5:15pm AWST, (7:15pm AEST) on 25 September.
Melbourne will be giving up its iconic game to another city once again after COVID-19 halted hopes it would return after last year’s Grand Final at the Gabba.
The Demons are pining to end a 57-year premiership dry spell, making it to their first grand final since 2000. The team’s last premiership win was against the Collingwood Magpies at the 1964 VFL Grand Final. The match was won by a nail biting four point point margin, of 64-60.
The Dogs have had greater luck, chasing another premiership after staging their own fairytale win in 2016. It had been a 62 year drought for the Sons of the West, who managed to clinch the premiership against the Sydney Swans with a 22 point margin.
A hoard of Western Australian talent will also be making an appearance on the field for the Pre-Match Show, tickling the fancy of those who may not have the strongest affinity for the game.
Featured artists include singer-songwriter John Butler, Fremantle’s ARIA-award winning alt-rock band Eskimo Joe, multi-award-winning artist Abbe May, critically acclaimed musician Stella Donnelly, multi-award-winning duo Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse and sisters Donna Simpson and Vikki Thorn from much-loved Australian Folk-Rock group The Waifs.
Men at Work’s lead singer Colin Hay will also be lending a performance along with Yolngu man, rapper and Young Australian of the Year, Danzal Baker OAM better known as Baker Boy.
Noongar man of the South-West region Richard Wally OAM will be conducting the Welcome to Country and the Australian national anthem will be performed by leading lady of the Phantom of the Opera musical, Amy Manford.
The AFL Grand Final will be broadcast on Channel 7 and 7HD.