In a conference call with club CEOs this morning, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has conceded the COVID outbreak in Victoria has made a return to the state virtually impossible this season.
As a range of contingencies were discussed to ensure the competition could be completed, McLachlan said all ten Victorian clubs would be housed in Queensland for the remainder of the home-and-away season, with the Sydney Swans and GWS Giants also a chance of moving if the situation in New South Wales worsens.
There is no issue with players moving to Queensland being allowed to return to their home state should they so wish, but the likely insurmountable barriers of having them exit the state have made today’s moves a necessity.
While the fixtures up until Round 8 are unlikely to be changed, it is likely Rounds 9 to 17 will need to be condensed and have matches played on all days of the week if the number of suitable venues declines. Clubs have reportedly demanded the final two rounds of the season be uncondensed to allow ideal finals preparation.
The move has led to Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calling for the AFL grand final to be played in the state too. She was quoted by AFL.com.au as saying “If the season is based here then the Grand Final should be played here too.”
“I stress none of these measures can happen without strict quarantine protocols and the COVID management plan that has allowed the AFL season to proceed,” she added.
“Given the choice between not having a season and having it based in Queensland I think I know what the fans would like to happen.”
from The Roar https://www.theroar.com.au/2020/07/15/afl-admits-return-to-victoria-unlikely-in-2020-reveals-top-gf-candidate/
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