THE Port Adelaide Football Club has welcomed a decision by SA Health to grant a travel exemption to Geelong ahead of Thursday night’s round 13 AFL game at Adelaide Oval.

The decision means the game will be played as scheduled from 7:10pm.

Chief executive officer Matthew Richardson thanked SA Health and the AFL for permitting the contest to go ahead, and Geelong players and staff for abiding by strict restrictions to allow them to travel in and out of the state on Thursday.

“There were a number of matters to consider with a decision like this and we are grateful to SA Health, the AFL and to the Geelong Football Club for ensuring Thursday night’s game is played as fixtured at Adelaide Oval,” he said.

“This is a big game for our club, our partners and our people and a great reward for the patience and diligence of the South Australian community with regard to how we have tackled the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In saying that, it is important that our players and staff and our supporters adhere to the protocols in place to ensure the safety of the community. We would encourage everyone planning to attend the game to wear their facemask as required and do the right things with regards to distancing and handwashing to keep us all safe.”

As part of the decision, Port Adelaide players and football department staff who are involved in the game will have to isolate in their homes for 48 hours after the match and get a negative COVID-19 test result before they can resume their normal movements.

Click here for Adelaide Oval COVID-19 health advice and information.