It’s Opening Round and the AFL has been thrown into chaos with Thursday’s season opener between Brisbane and Geelong and Saturday’s game between Gold Coast and Essendon put on hold due to the threat of tropical cyclone Alfred in Queensland.

Confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, the change means Friday night’s clash between Sydney and Hawthorn at the SCG will become the new season opener and with Sunday’s GWS vs Collingwood game unaffected all eyes will be on NSW this weekend.

The decision to pull the pin has left the league, clubs and broadcasters scrambling and I am interested to see how the players at the four teams affected will adapt to the challenge.

COVID demonstrated that one of the most important skills for a team is the ability to be agile and adapt to change at short notice.

Athletes who are proactive and flexible will respond to this challenge better than those who are reactive.

Clubs have tightly controlled programs designed to make sure players are in peak physical condition and can perform at their best come game day, which will now need to be adjusted with the game being postponed.

Players who have been counting down the days and mentally preparing to play are going to have to find a way to readjust their thinking.

Those with rigid routines and rituals leading into game day are going to struggle with this, even preparing for an away game instead of a home game takes a change in mindset.

The ability to adjust to changing situations both on and off the field is an important skill for athletes and the capacity to respond instead of reacting to unforeseen situations can be a key factor between winning and losing.

The best players find a way to flourish amid uncertainty.

The Lions had planned to unfurl their premiership flag, but that can wait until round three, when the postponed match is likely to be played as both clubs were due to have a bye

While disappointed with the news, Brisbane players and staff who are preparing for the worst and sandbagging their houses must be relieved that they can now fully turn their focus to the safety of their family and property.

It’s good news for injured player like Lions defender Brandon Starcevich, who was ruled out of the opening round due to a concussion and Geelong’s Shaun Mannagh, who has has been managing a foot stress injury and will now get more time to rest.

The last-minute changes days out from a game are an unwanted disruption and distraction from the job at hand but also the perfect opportunity to galvanise a group for the rest of the season.