Two AFL games have been postponed as Cyclone Alfred looms large in Queensland.
Brisbane's season opener against Geelong and Gold Coast's clash with Essendon have both been called off, as first reported by Nine's Tom Morris.
The league have since confirmed the news, with chief executive Andrew Dillon
"As I said yesterday, the priority is that we do everything we can to ensure the health and safety of everyone in and around any potential cyclone zone or community impacted by the forecast heavy rains and storm surges," he said.
"It is a very uncertain situation that is unfolding, and our thoughts are with everyone in southeast Queensland and northern NSW that may be impacted. Ultimately, we hope this weather event doesn't eventuate, but we know everyone needs to prepare accordingly and we don't want our games to be a distraction to those preparations.
"We want to make the decision now to give clubs and fans certainty in an uncertain environment and allow anyone from Queensland who would normally be involved in this game through coaching, playing, attending or working at the venue time to be home with their families and available in the community if required.
Brisbane and Geelong players face off in 2024. Â AFL Photos via Getty Images
"I want to thank our clubs for their support and patience, our broadcasters for being aligned with our view that the community and public safety must always come first, the venues and venue partners and our fans for their understanding.
"We also encourage all our supporters in the Queensland area to please follow all the directions from the Queensland Government in preparing for Cyclone Alfred."
At this stage, it's unclear when the matches will be rescheduled, with the AFL claiming they would make a call "as soon as possible."
Dillon will front the media on Tuesday afternoon regarding the decision.
The season will now kick off on Friday night with a clash between grand finalists Sydney hosting Hawthorn, before the Giants face Collingwood on Sunday.