‘No actual deadline’: AFL call on season opener could go down to the wire

“We’ll continue to work with the bureau and the Queensland government about the forecast. It’s already slightly changed in the last sort of 12 or 24 hours, so, we’re three days out from the game, we’ll continue to work with the clubs, the broadcasters, but importantly, the bureau and the Queensland government on the game.

“For every game we have contingencies, and there are options with byes and the like, but at the moment the game’s scheduled for Thursday night and the Lions are working towards that, as are Geelong and as are the AFL and Channel Seven.”

He said strong winds were the main safety concern for the league.

“It’ll be the health and safety of our players and our fans who will be the number one priority in any decision that we make,” he said.