AFL clubs and fans will be given definitive details about the 2020 season resumption by the end of April, league boss Gillon McLachlan says.
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan is adamant the league will be able to deliver definitive details around the competition’s resumption date by the end of April.
Despite an ever-changing landscape amid the coronavirus pandemic, McLachlan on Thursday told reporters the AFL would soon set dates for players to return to training and the next round of matches to be played.
“The decision we make will have the support of the relevant government authorities and their medical officers,” McLachlan said.
“We’re better placed every day to make that decision, I think, as things become clearer and the more we’re able to consult with key government and medical partners who have a greater level of data and insight into what’s going on.”
The AFL campaign is suspended until at least May 31 but McLachlan is confident the shortened 153-match home-and-away season, plus finals, will be completed this year.
He said the AFL wanted to settle on a return date that would allow it to push through the rest of the season uninterrupted from that point.
“When the exact start date is, I don’t have an answer, other than we’re committed to being out (and) informing our supporters and the public and others by the end of April,” McLachlan said.
The AFL has conceded matches will resume without fans in the stands but has not yet settled on the proposed plan of returning to play in quarantine hubs.
McLachlan is wary of the challenges that players will face if they are asked to spend time away from their families in the hubs.
Some players, including AFL Players Association president Patrick Dangerfield, have expressed concerns about the hubs idea.
McLachlan said the AFL will not make a formal proposal to players until a concrete plan has been formulated.
“It’s incumbent upon us to look at every option and that ranges from playing the way we have historically to various levels of quarantine,” McLachlan said.
“We are working with the right people to get a considered view about the right way to take us forward.
“I understand the challenges that will be on so many people as we try to get this season away and we’ll have to continue to work with all the stakeholders to get their buy-in.
“We understand the reservations of some in the absence of information.”
AFL clubs’ playing lists are likely to be trimmed for next season as part of football department cost-cutting measures across the competition, but McLachlan confirmed they will remain as they are for 2020.
McLachlan also said the AFL would open its books to the AFLPA when it comes to negotiating a reworked pay deal for future seasons.
“There will have to be a level of transparency about what industry revenue looks like to conclude that deal,” he said.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Gill seems to have said that if,as seems likely, WA is ready to to ease restrictions earlier than the rest of the country, then the Eagles and Dockers won’t be allowed to have an earlier start to team training. This would be particularly unkind to the Victorian sides whose cosseting must be allowed to continue. A WA hub sounds a good deal more likely as Victorians despite their aversion to travel would find the western winter climate much like a Mexican spring. Training venues and suitable accommodation could no doubt be found.
Gerard Klomp
Guest
I would love to see the AFL starting sooner than later. We waited for the whole summer for the season to start. Now we had to wait for this virus to clear. It has been boring. Lets get started as soon as the AFL gets the all clear on the this virus. Now lets get Started.
Beni Iniesta
Guest
You only need a "hub" if the States have 2 week quarantine restrictions on entering. If WA keep up their ban on travellers then obviously the WA teams will have to play somewhere else for the entire season or not play. So I guess that means they join a Victoria hub or withdraw from the competition for a year. What is your solution?
c
Roar Rookie
:crying:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
My disappointment is that you don't go for the Falcons
Matches
Roar Rookie
Does anyone really care what Kennet says? I recall he wanted to sack Clarkson after one of the Kennet-curse losses. He'll be gone at the end of this season.
WCE
Roar Rookie
I hope the hub idea isnt on the agenda, i think thats a dumb idea with a lot more concerning issues than anything positive.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Aussie winters are generally pretty mild, particularly in recent years. Not comparable to corona hotspots, China, USA, England, Europe. If the footy had continued in lockdown conditions it would have had negligible impact on the general rate of infection. If they ease off too early the risk to the general public has nothing to do with the AFL. I agree with your concern though.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
It is to me. Have you got work for a 60yr old accused child-basher?
c
Roar Rookie
i'm concerned easing of restrictions prematurely may cause significant death this virus is a real bugger and we're coming into winter as well
c
Roar Rookie
that is not a wage
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Did Hunter swim across the Yarra river to escape? That could have been interesting? Leisure or exercise? One could argue running from the coppers is exercise surely?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Parties are disallowed so I guess we all spared
Nick
Roar Guru
Yes, agreed. But we'd survive without it at the same time.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Looks like ankle chains and a homing device for you then WASS?
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I'd say he is about a 1/13 in discussions and not as major as what Brian was indicating, all state premiers, their health Dept as well as the federal parliament and the Australian chief medical officer needs to be on board not a Victorian matter only as Brian indicated. WA has said our state boarder is shut for next six months at least at a presser yesterday so I would say McGowan is highly important in the AFL coming back and probably more so than Andrews who hasn't made any declaration like that
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Got any mining islands off the WA coast that would house a footy oval, 18 teams and their families and a palatial residence for the broadcasters 6x 6? Maybe Dennis Commetti would even make a comeback?
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Perhaps the only saving grace for him, if this doesn't sound completely ignorant, is that he crashed into parked cars and not occupied vehicles Still, expect VicPol to come down hard on him, I'd expect nothing less tbh
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Eh, I'd say within the *context of the AFL*, Andrews is no doubt an important factor in the discussions. He won't be the be-all-or-end-all, but given the league's vic-centric nature I'd definitely say the Vic Gov would be a very important party in the deliberations. I'd assume that's why Brian brought him up
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
For Scomo on his birthday.