Her tongue-in-cheek comments earlier this month about wanting the AFL grand final, which horrified traditionalists who do not want it anywhere but at the MCG, is now starting to shape as a realistic option.

AFL boss Gill McLachlan said the league had yet to make a decision on where the grand final will be held, with the focus on getting through the home and away season first. But with the coronavirus second wave getting worse the odds must be lengthening on it being held in Melbourne.

On Thursday, more than 400 wives, girlfriends and family of AFL players flew into the AFL hub in Queensland.

The V8 Supercar series has also moved to Queensland.

Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’Landys said he was not worried about the impact of Queensland’s border closures on the remaining NRL competition.

He said he had received assurances from the Queensland government that exemptions for rugby league teams to travel to and from Queensland for games would continue.

All teams are in COVID-19-safe bubbles with severe restrictions on players mingling in the general community.

Interstate teams have been flying in and out of other states on game days to avoid any potential risks.