Fans brave the new world of sport

Mere hours before Round 6 was scheduled to get underway, anxious AFLW supporters received the word that from Saturday onward, games will take place in closed grounds.

The writing had been on the wall as overseas organisations shut down or stalled competitions and closer to home the Formula One Grand Prix was cancelled in the morning of the clash at Kardinia Park.

Compounded by chilly conditions, there was a surreal feeling seeing so many empty seats in the stadium – which of course will only become more stark with the next game and for the foreseeable future.

Fans of both sides that turned up were no shrinking violets however, with fervent barracking and groans of disapproval at umpiring decisions that didn’t go their way puncturing the cold night air until the final siren.