Saturday night's AFL clash between Fremantle and North Melbourne will go ahead despite Perth's three-day lockdown, but crowds won't be allowed.
Perth and the Peel region will enter a snap 72-hour lockdown from Friday midnight WST after a man contracted COVID-19 while staying at one of WA's quarantine hotels - Mercure Perth.
A close contact the man stayed with after his hotel quarantine period ended also tested positive to COVID-19.
Under WA government rules, members of the public must wear masks in public from 6pm WST on Friday, with the lockdown due to end at midnight WST on Monday.
The Western Force's Super Rugby AU clash with the Queensland Reds at HBF Park on Friday night was allowed to proceed with a capacity crowd.
The Perth Wildcats' NBL clash with the Brisbane Bullets at Perth Arena was also allowed to go ahead on Friday night with full crowds, but attendees at both sporting events had to wear masks.
West Coast caught a charter flight to Victoria on Thursday, and their AFL match against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday will go ahead as planned.
Perth Glory are due to fly to Brisbane on Saturday ahead of their match against the Roar on Sunday.
That game will go ahead unless Queensland imposes restrictions on arrivals from WA.
The Force's match against the Reds was to begin at 5.45pm, meaning fans didn't have to wear masks until the 15-minute mark of the match.
WA Premier Mark McGowan defended the decision to allow crowds at the rugby and basketball matches just hours before the lockdown began.
"There's no perfect answer here," McGowan said.
"Logistically it was very difficult to put in place the rules at 6pm, so we've moved it to 12pm to allow for the drafting of the rules, and the implementation of the rules.
"That's why we're asking people to be sensible, to wear masks, and personally I would discourage people from attending these events tonight.
"My wife and daughter and I were going out for her birthday this evening. We've cancelled that. I encourage people to do the right thing, stay home, and if you go out for an essential purpose, wear a mask."
Even if no one else contracts the virus and the lockdown is lifted on Monday night, it's expected the restrictions will be eased in phases.
Optus Stadium recently had its capacity returned to 100 per cent, and it remains to be seen what restrictions will be placed on the venue next week.
West Coast are scheduled to play Fremantle on Sunday week in an AFL derby match that would normally attract close to 60,000 fans.
Perth Glory are scheduled to play seven consecutive home A-League games starting from Friday next week.
The World Surf League Margaret River Pro is scheduled to start on May 2 in regional WA, and it remains to be seen whether it will be affected by the current lockdown.
Australian Associated Press
