The AFL has confirmed today that from Round Six of the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, cheer squads will be permitted to erect a banner for each team to run through upon entering the arena prior to the commencement of each respective game.

Richmond will face Melbourne in Round Six in the now-traditional Anzac Day eve match on Saturday, April 24 at the MCG from 7.25pm.

AFL Executive General Manager Football Operations Steve Hocking said he was thrilled that supporters would be able to see banners back at the footy from this weekend.

"Banners are a special part of footy and have a deep and meaningful connection to supporters and clubs across the country," Mr Hocking said.

"The club banner is a great tradition and a real connector for cheer squads, supporters and their teams across the country.

"We understand the banner is so much more than the final product on match-day, it’s the sense of connection that comes with being part of the cheer squad group that make them every week – we cannot wait to see banners back at the footy,"

COVIDSafe plans will be in place to ensure the re-introduction of banners is done in the safest possible way and continues to prioritise the health and safety of everyone involved in the game and in the wider community.