Essendon has departed for Queensland after the AFL confirmed the relocation of its round 18 game against North Melbourne scheduled for Sunday.

As a precautionary measure, Essendon will fly to Brisbane with North Melbourne on Thursday afternoon due to the rapidly evolving latest COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria.

Sunday’s game between the two sides has been scheduled for Metricon Stadium, relocated from Marvel Stadium.  

Chief executive officer Xavier Campbell said the club, its players and staff remained flexible and agile to ensure games could continue.

“We understand the AFL is taking a cautious approach in flying our sides out today. This has been done to ensure, if required, flexibility for future rounds to continue the season,” Campbell said.

“That said, our hope and ambition is to play our next two home games in Melbourne if possible and we will continue to work with the AFL around this.

“The club will communicate with members and supporters who purchased tickets to the game originally scheduled for Marvel Stadium shortly. Ticketmaster will be in direct contact with all general public ticket buyers.

“We know our passionate and loyal Victorian members will be disappointed, as are we to not be playing in front of you, and we apologise that we will not be able to play in front of you this weekend."