AFL likely to enact heat policy as scorching temperatures predicted for Fremantle and Geelong clash

The AFL are expected to enact their heatwave policy for Fremantle’s season opener against Geelong this weekend, with temperatures forecast to hit 36C.

Less than a week after ex-tropical cyclone Alfred threw the opening round into disarray, the league is bracing for more extreme weather as a heatwave sweeps across Victoria this weekend.

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With the clash scheduled for 1.20pm local time, there will be little respite available for players, with the AFL officially confirming they were monitoring the situation and likely to bring in their heatwave policy.

Used frequently in the AFLW but much rarer in the men’s game, the policy would allow for additional water carriers allowed onto the field as well as longer breaks at the end of each quarter.

The AFL could also move the clash to later in the day, meaning it would overlap with Sydney’s clash against Brisbane which is scheduled for 7.15pm.

Temperatures could reach 37C in Melbourne, however both the Western Bulldogs’ clash with North Melbourne and Collingwood’s Port Adelaide game won’t start until 7.35pm local time and are unlikely to be affected.

The AFL are expected to make a call on any change to playing conditions later in the week.