The two AFL Opening Round matches scheduled for Queensland this weekend have been postponed due to the tropical cyclone that is set to hit the state’s south coast.

Brisbane v Geelong at the Gabba on Thursday night and Gold Coast v Essendon on Saturday afternoon will now be played later in the season. Final details are yet to be determined by the AFL.

The league’s Opening Round this weekend will now consist of just two matches – Sydney and Hawthorn at the SCG on Friday night before Greater Western Sydney host Collingwood on Sunday.

According to a statement from the AFL:

“Out of an abundance of caution and after ongoing communication with the Queensland Government, the Bureau of Meteorology and Stadiums Queensland, the AFL made the decision now to ensure the health and safety of clubs, players, officials and – importantly – the wider southeastern Queensland and northern NSW community remains the priority,” the AFL said in a statement.

“The AFL will announce the alternate schedule for these matches as soon as possible as we continue to work with clubs and venues on possible scenarios. The rescheduled matches won’t be played during Opening Round.”

Up to 700mm of rain and winds of up to 130km/h are forecast across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales from Thursday due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with residents urged to secure supplies and prepare their properties for the cyclone’s impact.