Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley has welcomed the additional AFL content into the Sydney market and believes there is scope for more in the coming weeks. 

With the AFL forced to reshape the fixture following the COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria, footy fans in Sydney have been the beneficiary, with three blockbuster games scheduled across three days.

Speaking on his regular weekly segment on SEN1170 with Matt White, Harley said the situation provided an opportunity to further grow the code in Sydney.

“It is a huge opportunity. There will be fluidity in the fixture going forward,” he said. 

“The Queens Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood, at this stage slated for the MCG, you’d suggest that’s not going to be played there and you’ve got the Dreamtime game between Richmond and Essendon being played in Perth this weekend.

“If we can continue as a state to manage our COVID-19 situation well, it does provide a great opportunity for the AFL.

“We’re certainly having conversations with the AFL about the opportunity that presents itself here, so that we can continue the momentum of the growth of the game,” Harley said.

While optimistic about the opportunities in New South Wales, Harley acknowledged the challenges people in Victoria were facing in lockdown.

“We’re thinking of all our people down in Melbourne, particularly the South Melbourne Swans fans,” Harley said.

With the St Kilda fixture - originally slated to be played at Marvel Stadium - now moved to the SCG on Saturday, the Swans round 21 clash against the Saints will be played in Melbourne.