St Kilda and Carlton are still in the dark about where and when they will relocate to continue the AFL season amid Victoria’s COVID-19 crisis.
As the AFL prepares to shift all local teams interstate, the Saints and Blues departed Marvel Stadium on Thursday night without knowing how their next few days will play out.
The AFL could move ten clubs as early as next week with NSW and Western Australia flagged as potential locations along with the current Gold Coast hub.
Players from seven clubs who live in Melbourne’s COVID-19 hot spots have temporarily moved out their homes to avoid being banned from entering NSW.
But St Kilda coach Brett Ratten says his Saints are ready to head back to Docklands next week for a planned match against Geelong.
“We’ve been preparing for a hub for a while and we’re actually looking forward to it,” he said after the Saints’ 18-point win.
“Some of our training sessions have been disconnected because we’ve got to break into six or three groups where we might (now) have a bit more interaction.
“Our role tonight was to worry about the footy and this game was important for us.
“We’re not sure how long we’ll go for but it probably will be a bit of a period.”
Carlton coach David Teague believes it’s an exciting opportunity to move outside of Victoria.
“It’s a great opportunity to continue to build relationships, while being respectful for the families and partners, and whether they come, I’m not sure,” he said.
“We don’t know where we’re even going yet, but for our group I’m a bit excited.”
The Blues are due to host Sydney at the MCG in Round 6, but that match appears unlikely to be played in Melbourne due to the NSW government urging its residents not to travel to Victoria.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Lachie hunter really rammed them home.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Just ask Sidebottom about the restrictions, he's all over 'em.
Gyfox
Roar Rookie
AFL footballers are under more & heavier restrictions than the rest of us. Those restrictions are put in place for a reason. They are less likely to spread infection than security guards, school kids, etc. Moving them out of the hot-spots ensures they will not get infected & protects the wider community.
SimplySimon
Guest
"Players from seven clubs who live in Melbourne’s COVID-19 hot spots have temporarily moved out their homes to avoid being banned from entering NSW." Not exactly in the spirit of keeping everyone safe is it ? The important thing is not whether you can find a way around the restrictions and then pat yourselves on the back for being so "clever". Its about protecting the general public, its about health, its about keeping everyone safe. These restrictions are being put in place for a reason and instead of trying to find a way round them, we should be asking how we can keep everyone safe by supporting them. Shame on every single person who has tried to avoid these restrictions.