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AFLPA CEO casts doubt on Round 1 taking place

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18th March, 2020
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AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh says Gillon McLachlan, having been briefed by the government, will soon make a call regarding round one of the season.

AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh admits it is hard to see the season starting on Thursday given the latest restrictions announced by the federal government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed a range of new measures designed to combat the spread of coronavirus, including a ban on all non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.

The AFL had already locked out fans from round one, which was slated to start on Thursday night with an MCG clash between Richmond and Carlton.

The league is expected to provide an update later on Wednesday.

AFLPA chief executive Marsh, speaking on SEN within minutes of Morrison’s statement during a press conference on Wednesday, noted it was important for him and AFL counterpart Gillon McLachlan to debrief.

But Marsh, who on Tuesday expressed hope a 22-game season could still be possible this year, conceded the prospect of round one being staged this week is unlikely.

“I don’t want to jump to ‘it’s off’,” Marsh said.

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“But it doesn’t look good, does it?

“It’s all pretty sobering isn’t it? It’s hard to see (round one starting on Thursday).

“We’ve been discussing with the AFL.

“I know they’ve been in briefings with the government overnight and I’m waiting to get an understanding of that. It’s a discussion we need to have with them today.”

McLachlan declared on Monday the regular season would be trimmed to 17 games, allowing the flexibility required to stage a competition of some description.

Some 88 per cent of AFL players voted on Monday night in favour of starting the season this week despite the outbreak of COVID-19, which has prompted sporting leagues around the world to shutdown.

AFL players also pushed back regarding the length of the season, making it clear they wanted it to remain at 22 matches.

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“The prospect of playing 22 games is much less likely than it was before we started this discussion (and Wednesday’s measures were announced),” Marsh said.

“All we’ve said is we want to keep that option open.

“This is not us saying ‘we just need to push ahead and play 22 games’.

“Everyone’s in shock at the moment.”

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