UPDATE: The Tasmanian government's decision to shut its doors to the planned match between Fremantle and Carlton on Saturday afternoon, means that game will now be played in Geelong on Saturday night.
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The Adelaide Crows, who are on a plane to Victoria this afternoon, are still holding out hope to be able to play its scheduled game against Brisbane with 'fly-in, fly-out' exemptions to Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
However if they are unable to gain the government exemption, Ballarat's Mars Stadium will likely play host to the match.
At the moment, the starting time is not known, however it is scheduled at 4.40pm.
EARLIER: BALLARAT is firming to host AFL matches over the coming weeks, with a strong possibility of one this weekend after South Australia's teams were forced out of the state on Wednesday afternoon.
While it appears likely that the GWS Giants will host Gold Coast next weekend, changes to South Australian teams now leaves the real possibility that Saturday's scheduled match between Adelaide and Brisbane could also make its way to Ballarat.
AFL fixture boss Travis Auld told reporters that Mars Stadium is being discussed as an option for future rounds, with next week's Giants-Suns match appearing a likely candidate.
"We're very fortunate here in Victoria, where we have a number of venues," he said. "I know that Mars Stadium is really important for that region, as is GMHBA (to Geelong), so you may see a game in Ballarat."
The AFL looks set to condense its round 16 matches into Victoria and Tasmania after South Australia recorded its first five COVID cases in 211 days on Wednesday.
However, if Saturday's match at Adelaide Oval cannot go ahead, the AFL will be forced to find a new venue. Both the MCG and Marvel Stadium are booked on Saturday while GMHBA Stadium in Geelong is already hosting games on Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
It means Ballarat could be chosen to host the Crows and Lions. Both teams have previously played the Western Bulldogs at the venue.
It looks increasingly likely that the GWS Giants versus Gold Coast clash will be played in Ballarat next weekend as Sydney's lockdown is expected to be in place.
The West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans are already set to match-up in Geelong on Sunday.
Brisbane and the Gold Coast are hoping they can return to their home state's on Sunday in a hope that the south-east Queensland lockdown lifts, but are preparing to spend extra days in Victoria.
As reported in The Courier earlier today, Committee For Ballarat chief executive officer Michael Poulton has thrown his support behind Ballarat lobbying for as many games as possible.
"Absolutely, 100 per cent support for Ballarat hosting more AFL," Poulton said. "Mars Stadium is a fantastic venue for players in terms of grass coverage, the condition of the facility, the players love it.
"We've got the situation where clubs like Gold Coast and Brisbane have played here before, they've stayed out at Goldfields Resort, they love it here.
"How good would it be if we could have a club like Gold Coast based here? They could have their freedom, get involved in the community, there's certainly plenty of good coffee in Ballarat and Creswick."
City of Ballarat chief executive officer Evan King said the council was ready to open its doors to cater for any club that required a home.
"We've been in in ongoing discussions with the AFL and the Victorian government about Mars Stadium's availability for further AFL matches this season," King said.
"We've advised that Ballarat is ready and available if required.
"Mars Stadium is a top-level facility and players have consistently rated the playing surface as one of the best in the competition.
"We're confident Ballarat is well placed to assist with a revised home and away fixture and we're keen to help."
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