Dear Purple Army,
 
We hope you are doing ok following last night’s announcement by the State Government to lockdown the Perth and Peel regions for four days, in the wake of recent local cases of COVID-19.
 
This is a note I was hoping I wouldn’t have to send, but given the lack of certainty in WA, our home game against Carlton on Saturday will now take place at an interstate venue, with the team flying out to Melbourne this afternoon where they will test and isolate until they return a negative result.
 
These decisions are not made lightly and I want to acknowledge the disappointment it will bring to our passionate members and supporters who can no longer be there to cheer us on this weekend.
 
But playing our part to ensure the season progresses, while protecting the health and safety of our community, remains paramount.
 
We will keep working through the detail with the AFL in terms of a location for this weekend’s game and will advise you as soon as we are in a position to do so.
 
Similar to when our round 6 game proceeded with no crowds back in April, we will communicate in due course what your options are for your membership entitlements.
 
We have had the most incredible support from you throughout the past 18 months, and while we won’t be able to play in front of you this weekend, I know our players will continue to feel your presence no matter where we play.
 
In the meantime, our administration team will keep powering through the logistics required to make this weekend happen while our football staff and players remain completely focussed on taking on the Blues and making you proud wherever you will be watching.
 
I would like to highlight and thank our players and staff. The sacrifice and commitment they continue to show for our Club and the game is critical to these moments making us stronger. I’m proud of the way they handle themselves and the way we continue to grow together through these times.
 
This Saturday night’s game was due to be our 19th annual Starlight Purple Haze Game, proudly presented by South 32. Given the very special place this game has in our members hearts, we will look to move the event to a later home game.
 
I will reach out directly again when we have more information. In the meantime, please look after yourselves and your loved ones at this challenging time.
 
Regards,
 
Simon