Melbourne Cricket Ground can return to 85 per cent capacity crowds as from the weekend after next as the Victoria Government begins to relax coronavirus restrictions ©Getty Images

Crowds are being allowed back to watch major sporting events in Melbourne after the State Government announced a gradual easing of restrictions, with plans for the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Marvel Stadium to return to 85 per cent capacity next weekend.

For this weekend, however, crowds at these stadiums will continue to be capped at 50 per cent of capacity up to a maximum of 25,000 spectators, the Melbourne Age reported.

A total of 15,000 fans will be permitted at the A-League grand final at AAMI Park on Sunday while 5,000 people can attend the third game of the National Basketball League’s grand final series at John Cain Arena.

The latest announcement by James Merlino, Acting Premier of Victoria, came as the Sydney-based Australian Football League teams re-located to the state from New South Wales.

Fans will soon be able to return to the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne as COVID-19 rules begin to be eased ©Getty Images
Fans will soon be able to return to the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne as COVID-19 rules begin to be eased ©Getty Images

Two extra AFL games are expected to be played in Melbourne over the next fortnight as a result.

The Giants are scheduled to play Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday (June 27) and Sydney are scheduled to play West Coast in Melbourne the following week.

The timing of the State Government’s decision was a stroke of luck for the three codes, with the A-League grand final venue in doubt before yesterday while uncertainty prevailed over both the NBL and the AFL as the COVID-19 situation worsened in Sydney.

The MCG is due to host Richmond and St Kilda today, Essendon-Melbourne tomorrow and Hawthorn-GWS on Sunday.