North Melbourne’s decision to vacate Victoria due to the unfolding COVID situation was not taken lightly, but was forced out of necessity rather than desire.

With the playing group landing in Brisbane on Thursday afternoon, preparations will begin for this weekend’s clash with Essendon, now at Metricon Stadium. 

North CEO Ben Amarfio says he’s aware of the challenges facing the community and the playing group at this time.

“We didn’t really have much option other than to get the team out (of Victoria) as soon as possible,” Amarfio told ABC Sport.

“It’s no different to everyone else and all the challenges everyone else in the community has been dealing with over the last couple of years. 

“Our players have got young families, some have got large families, some have got family and personal issues they have to deal with … and I think it’s the same across the league.

“We try and put family first and make sure our players and staff are fully supported.”

While earlier in the week North was preparing to taking on Essendon in front of a roaring home crowd at Marvel, a spanner has been thrown into the team’s preparation.

With a large crowd initially expected in Melbourne, Amarfio has issued a message to the many North fans who will now unfortunately miss out on attending the spectacle.

“We’re feeling very sorry and bad for our Victorian supporters and members who were clearly looking forward to getting along to that game,” he said.

“We had very strong sales … this was obviously a home game for us and a big home game playing against Essendon.

“I just want to make sure we pass on our gratitude for our members and supporters for their faith and their loyalty, and we apologise for this situation but there’s no way around it unfortunately.”

With Victoria set to go into another lockdown on Thursday night, it could be forgiven for believing those employed in the AFL have escaped the worst of COVID across the last season and a half.

Amarfio says that isn’t the case.

“These guys are no different to the rest of us. They’ve got brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, cousins and friends, who are doing it tough and our guys are doing it tough as well,” he said.

“It’s an imposition and a distraction from what we’d normally like to be doing but we just grit our teeth, bear down and get through it. It’s all about perspective. 

“To travel around the country for the most part and be able to play and work, they understand they’re in a privileged position.

“At the end of the day we’ve got to manage … and be conscious of the health of our people, our community and our loved ones, and that’s the most important thing. We keep that perspective in our mind.”