The AFL has moved a step closer to normality with the green light given to increasing crowd numbers to 75 per cent of stadium capacity from this Thursday.
That means up to 75,000 fans will be able to watch arch rivals Carlton and Collingwood face off at the MCG on Thursday.
That’s 25,000 more than were able to attend the opening round of matches at the MCG last weekend, and an extra 15,000 at Marvel Stadium.
It also means Geelong’s Friday night match against Brisbane at GMHBA Stadium will now be able to host 26,650 fans instead of a previous limit of 18,000.
The AFL is set to announce the lift in crowd capacity from 50 per cent to 75 per cent with the hope that could increase to 100 per cent by Anzac Day.
It comes as the Victorian health department confirmed the final active case of COVID-19 had dropped off and there was now no coronavirus in the state.
Acting Premier James Merlino revealed on Tuesday that mask restrictions would ease from Friday with other changes to the COVID rules paving the way for more people to go to the footy.
“We know the risk is far from over, but thanks to the incredible work of all Victorians we’re continuing to open up and return to the city and state we love,” Merlino said.