The Sydney AFL derby is likely to be played in Ballarat with GWS and Swans facing an extended stay in Victoria due to NSW’s coronavirus crisis.

The two Sydney clubs might have to remain based in Melbourne for the remainder of the season with NSW’s COVID-19 outbreak continuing to worsen.

The state recorded 112 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, with the NRL on Sunday following the AFL’s lead and relocating its NSW teams interstate.

AFL games are already scheduled at the MCG on Saturday, with GWS and the Swans game locked in for a 1.45pm start but it is the last remaining fixture for round 18 without a confirmed venue.

GMHBA Stadium is free but given it is a Giants home game they will try to avoid playing there due to the Swans’ excellent record at the Geelong venue.

Sydney smashed West Coast by 92 points in Geelong in round 16 and boast the best recent record by a team other than the Cats at the ground having now four of their last five games there.

GWS got a taste of Ballarat’s Mars Stadium on Sunday, but lost to Gold Coast by a point.

The Giants upset the Swans at the SCG in the first Sydney AFL derby this season, coming from behind to win by two points.

Both clubs have been based in Victoria since June 22 and are pushing for family members to be able to join players and staff in Melbourne but that still appears unlikely.

AAP