AFL season will begin tomorrow

The AFL will begin as scheduled on Thursday night between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG.

AFL CEO Gill McLachlan confirmed after meeting with the clubs and government advisors that the risk was low enough with no fans in attendance to play this weekend.

Games will be reduced to 16-minutes plus time-on in anticipation that the first four weeks of the season could be condensed into a shortened period.

McLachlan believed the AFL and its clubs embark on this journey with clear instruction.

"We must go forward day by day, listening to the advice and continue to make the best decisions for our industry, whilst balancing well-being, welfare, leadership, and economic and social impacts." McLachlan said.

"Tonight our industry is unified in making a decision to start. The reality is this season will not look like any other."

"We must go forward day by day, listening to the advice and continue to make the best decisions for our industry, whilst balancing well-being, welfare, leadership, and economic and social impacts."

"153 games will not look like a standard 17 round season, but footy will find a way through"

The final two weeks of the AFLW will be cancelled with finals to be played immediately this weekend a fixture will be announced on Thursday.

IMAGE: Fox Sports