Ovens and Murray clubs put up hand to host regional AFL matches

With COVID restrictions in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide forcing AFL clubs to relocate to Victoria, the Lavington Sports Ground and Norm Minns Oval have been mooted as regional hosting centres.

Playing regional matches would be a throwback to 1952, when the VFL staged a 'National Day Round'.

Ballarat is believed to be a strong chance of securing a match.

"We are in a situation where you learn to deal with anything that comes along with COVID," Lavington president Mark Sanson said.

"We are having our fourth home game in a row this weekend and hosted a double-header the other week.

"It's all about being flexible and adapting to different circumstances.

"If the opportunity to host an AFL game came up we would love to have it at Lavington."

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Although Mr Sanson acknowledged Wangaratta had a better chance of securing a match due to NSW-Victorian COVID requirements, he pointed out that the Border remained COVID-free.

The Panthers also have two grounds which could alleviate potential clashes with training and match scheduling.

Wangaratta co-president Ellyn O'Brien said the Magpies had the facilities and volunteers to make an AFL match work.

"It would take a bit of negotiating but we have got the support of the local council and could work in with Wangaratta Rovers if needed," Mrs O'Brien said.

"I have no doubt there would be plenty of volunteers who would put their hand up to make it happen if the opportunity arises.

"We have previously staged four or five AFL pre-season matches which have been a huge success.

"So staging a match for premiership points wouldn't be an issue."

Ovens and Murray chairman David Sinclair said it would be a huge coup for the region.

"It would be terrific for the league to have our facilities showcased along with the Border region," Mr Sinclair said.

"We haven't as yet spoken to any clubs about the impact this may have on Ovens and Murray fixturing and impingement on the use of clubs' facilities.

"We'd work with clubs to assist with any issues an AFL fixture may present."

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