AFL boss Gill McLachlan yesterday said Perth’s Optus Stadium would be the backup location for this year’s AFL grand final if COVID restrictions mean Melbourne can’t do it. The MCG is home to the sports biggest day, but there’s a chance that it will miss out for the 2nd year in a row. That would also make it the 2nd time in the game’s 119-year history that the decider hadn’t been held in Melbourne. While South Oz put its hand up for this year’s honours, McLachlan said Perth was chosen because its 60,000-person venue would likely be at 100% capacity under current public health settings. With the grand final set to be held on 25 September, plans will be confirmed when more is known about Melbourne’s situation, McLachlan said.