The timing of the AFL grand final is "unfortunate" for Melbourne-based footy fans, Victorian chief health officer Brett Sutton admits.
Melburnians aren't allowed to have friends and family over to their house to watch Saturday's all-Victorian decider between Richmond and Geelong at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Professor Sutton said the grand final has come too early to allow people from other households to visit.
"It does present a risk if people are not following the advice that we have given all along," he told reporters on Monday.
"If we were at that point where we thought we could recommend those indoor household gatherings we would be saying that. It is not quite there yet.
"It's not far away and, in a way, it is a little bit unfortunate that this is the timing of the grand final."
Prof Sutton said there might still be virtual avenues for footy nuts to engage with each other throughout the blockbuster clash.
"It would be great if people could work out ways to do it in a way that they can have their beers at home or shout and scream with their family, with their immediate family or household members," he said.
"May be linked up by Zoom or any other social media mechanism so that they can share their enthusiasm or heartbreak."
The latest freedoms in metropolitan Melbourne allow up to 10 people from two households to gather outdoors, meaning the group could potentially tune in to the decider via their phones.
Regional Victorians, including those in Geelong, will be able to enjoy far more festivity under their rules.
Premier Daniel Andrews indicated on Sunday that Victoria Police would announce increased enforcement measures this week, ensuring there's no repeat of the wild celebrations witnessed on Punt Road after the Tigers 2017 premiership win.
He has urged Melbourne footy fans to follow the example set by Richmond and Geelong players, who have largely adhered to strict COVID-19 protocols while living in Queensland hubs.
Despite the traditional grand final parade also moving north, Victoria's grand final eve public holiday will go ahead on Friday.
The statewide holiday has been rebadged "Thank You Day", in honour of the Victorians who have made lockdown sacrifices to contain the virus.
Melbourne's temperature is tipped to top 16C on Saturday, 13C colder than the maximum in Brisbane which could also be set for possible showers and the chance of a thunderstorm.
