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.
“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.
“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.”
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
If you are not even here (in Oz), you wouldn't get how space is a factor here. Social distancing is a fact of geography, unlike Europe or Asia. If you are worried, pray for the African continent.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
South Korea's response is impressive...but NZ and Oz are doing way better, hence the numbers. Your panic is over the top. Just continue being careful...and relax. The virus won't get you but stress might.
peter ostle
Guest
Dear Don, apologies for not replying sooner. look to South Korea for a model of how to deal with the virus. Australia is not number 2 at the moment. [see https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/03/coronavirus-cases-have-dropped-sharply-south-korea-whats-secret-its-success] I agree that GB/UK is not handling the issue well, health wise or economically. In the former we do too few tests, and in the latter it seems the government is trying to replay the 2008/9 GFC. Further, I am British not English. It is interesting how many articles I read from Australia where England/English is casually seen as coterminous with Britain/British.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
All venues are open bar Marvel so 500 is the limit. Even Marvel is not like a pub/theatre or whatever. If someone was picky there is no prob leaving the roof open.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
The planes are monitored and restricted. England is linked to greater Europe by a tunnel freeway. No comparison. We are ahead of the game. If a league ladder for best practice was available it would be NZ 1st, Oz 2nd.
peter ostle
Guest
100 years ago, being 'girt by sea' was very relevant, however in the age of the plane, and freer trade I think that is not as relevant. If you think Asia is not as applicable, then note the US. There sporting bodies were ahead of the federal response. I accept that I am thinking of countries of regions that support my opinion - links to confirmation bias. What this shows is that the AFLPA, and other Australian sporting bodies, had ongoing sporting examples that could be cited in supporting their stance. Please note I am not Australian, my 'country' Britain is also 'girt' by sea.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Way different contexts. We are girt by sea. Australia is also way ahead of most nations with medical process. Certainly Asia is no model.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
be ridiculous to start,with all other sports cancelled afl and nrl should come in line with the rest of the WORLD . Cant believe there are even considering playing ,if players are worried about losing pay go get a job in the real world until they start it up again ,I know lots of money on the line but thousands are going to loose there jobs and perhaps cant go back unlike the players will go back to work as usual
peter ostle
Guest
Thanks for the response Don. I disagree with your concepts of 'rogue virus' and 'random impact'. What makes a virus 'rogue'? When the AFLPA had not just what was occurring in Australia, they could note the impact of the virus on sports outside Australia, especially in Asia, and how countries there had set out policies that impacted on social gatherings, and implicitly sporting events.
Wabi
Guest
Even if no spectators are allowed, won't the two teams, support staff, TV broadcast staff and stadium personnel exceed 100?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
A few conspiracies running around in your mind there, Peter. Far more likely to be just monitoring the state of play. No long term PR/pay tactics attached to responding to the random impact of a rogue virus.
peter ostle
Guest
Paul Marsh thinks 'everyone's in shock at the moment.' I think he is thinking of himself more than others. He probably has been shocked at the response of many to the AFLPA arguing for 22 matches. After gaining a lot of kudos by supporting the one off match for bushfire issues the players have copped a negative response to how they are sticking to the 22 match mantra. One could say it was an opening bid by the players in the negotiations with the AFL, but if so it ought to be have done in private, or prior to the meeting where the AFL decided to go to a 17 match season. What the AFLPA has been quiet on, and needs to be more assertive on it what is happening to the AFLW competition. Most footy is played outdoors, so the 100 person limit does not apply to most matches. I think most clubs, if they cannot play, for example in a closed Marvel stadium could see the match move to their home ground - Windy Hill, Ikon park etc.