The majority of AFL clubs are calling players back from interstate breaks in readiness for a possible season restart next month.
There is growing optimism that the 2020 competition – which was put on hold in March after just one round – could resume by the end of June.
The AFL has floated its controversial quarantine hubs proposal but is hopeful it won’t be required as part of a return-to-play plan when details are announced next week.
Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said his club had stressed to its players to make their way back to Melbourne.
“There’s certainly, across the industry, the suggestion that we should get organised,” Gordon told SEN Breakfast on Monday.
“That’s true for the Bulldogs’ interstate players as much as anyone else’s.”
Brisbane and Gold Coast have told their players to head back to Queensland after the state government last Friday eased COVID-19 restrictions.
North Melbourne’s interstate contingent will return to Victoria this week and Hawthorn have called back their relatively small group.
Carlton are set to deliver instructions to their playing group on Monday.
West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide and Port Adelaide face possible disadvantages because of Western Australia and South Australia’s tighter interstate travel controls, with concerns that returning players might have to spend 14 days in quarantine.
As clubs eagerly await an official restart date, Gordon backed the AFL’s decision to limit all clubs to training in groups of two for the time being.
It follows consternation from some clubs based outside Victoria, including Port Adelaide’s Tom Rockliff accusing the AFL of bias toward the Victorian clubs.
The two WA clubs had been hopeful of training in larger groups after the state government last week lifted the local limit on outdoor gatherings to 10 people.
Clubs in South Australia and Queensland are operating under similar local rulings.
But the AFL stepped in to ensure the 10 Victorian clubs were not disadvantaged by different restrictions in different states.
AFL football boss Steve Hocking stressed all 18 teams must abide by initial rules where players can only train with one other person.
“There’s obviously a considerable competitive advantage to be able to train together and I think it’s fair that the AFL regulate that so that there’s equity across the players in the competition,” Gordon said.
Clubs are hopeful that further easing of government restrictions could allow them all to train in groups of six to 10 players next week.
David C
Roar Rookie
Funny how it wasn’t a problem for 30 odd years but now suddenly is after 2 premierships in 3 years.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Very enlightening, WCE. Great to see you're maintaining your high standards. Good luck in this shortened season. On the bright side, the Eagles may travel less if your borders remain closed. The down side is that they won't be allowed home without doing the mandatory 14 days of isolation. Ironic?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Nice that you recognise Richmond have got 'it', Larry. Yep . . . we've got it in spades. That's why we're the current top dog. Woof!
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
its not just West Coast complaining about how good richmond have got it, its Freo, Brisbane, Port and Adelaide. Its time richmond were cut from Gills apron strings and become part of the AFL and not just Gills best mate
WCE
Roar Rookie
a bit rich coming from a tiger supporter who gets their little mate Gill to look after them every year like a pathetic joke
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
This has merit.
Scott
Guest
I don’t reckon they need to wait till the end of June. Set a date right now for the start of June. That’s 4 weeks away. Start mini preseason now. Have the the 2 WA teams travel to South Australia or vice versa. Both sides can share a chartered flight. Do the same thing with the Queensland and Sydney teams. Play each of the 2 sides from the opposing state over a 6 day break. Can do the same with all the Victorian teams playing each other. That means by the 2nd week of June every team will have 14 games remaining. That’s only 3 weeks behind the original schedule with only 2 planes crossing a border. By that time some restrictions will likely have eased and the fixture should get easier, if the restrictions havnt eased, at least you’ve completed 3 rounds and now only need to organise 14 more. There will surely be plenty more options by that time, including playing games in Darwin or whatever states have the least restrictions. Get it going!
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Yeeeeeeeeee-ha.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
:thumbup: so cool and witty:D 60s footy woohoo
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Makes perfect sense. Though WA supporters, particularly WC supporters who frequent this site, would prefer to whinge about the prospect of a 14 day quarantine period. Oh well, they'll whinge anyway because the 48 hours effects recovery time or some other lame reason.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
I would be surprised if state Premiers gave AFL players preferential treatment for the once of return to their club. That wouldn’t be fair on the rest of the population.
Flagpies
Roar Rookie
That's the concern isn't it. Hopefully if the numbers continue to decline we may avoid that situation.
Flagpies
Roar Rookie
Me thinks tests will be done before teams that have players returning to WA for example, a 48 hour result instead of a 14 day quarantine.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Whichever club has the most players committed to their self training program would be the club that gets off to a flying start. Let’s just hope it doesn’t shut down again after a few weeks.