Tasmania is the big winner, with the AFL confirming two of the four matches next weekend will be played in Launceston.

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With Covid-19 outbreaks wreaking havoc on NSW and Victoria, the AFL has scheduled the games in South Australia and Tasmania to ensure the marquee matches will be played in front of crowds.

St Kilda great Nick Riewoldt, who grew up in Tasmania, labelled the announcement “a landmark day” for football in Tasmania.

“It’s going to be massive,” he said on Fox Footy.

“We’ve seen this year, when the big Broadway sides have gone down there this year — Essendon have gone down there, Collingwood have gone down there — they’ve had big, big crowds get along.

“These are going to be embraced by the people because the people are starving for footy down there.

“It’s a landmark day for Tassie footy.”

Riewoldt urged Tasmanian AFL fans to make the most of the rare opportunity and attend the finals matches in massive numbers.

“Two (games) in Launceston. Get excited Tasmanian people because this is what you’ve been asking for, this is what you’ve been waiting for," he said.

“So now it’s up to you to make sure you get along and pack it out and go footy nuts down there this week. It’s going to be a massive build up.

“It’s a massive day, really really exciting news.”

AFL Finals Week One Fixture (all times AEST)

Second Qualifying Final Friday 27 August: Port Adelaide vs Geelong — 7.50pm at Adelaide Oval

Second Elimination Final Saturday 28 August: Sydney Swans vs GWS — 3.20pm at UTAS Stadium

First Qualifying Final Saturday 28 August: Melbourne vs Brisbane — 7.30pm at Adelaide Oval

First Elimination Final Sunday 29 August: Western Bulldogs vs Essendon — 3.20pm at UTAS Stadium

More to come.