One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => View from the Outer => Topic started by: tdy on April 15, 2020, 06:41:45 PM
-
How would this work
3 groups of 6
2 groups of 9?
-
3 groups of 6 teams (one in each of WA, SA and Tassie).
If the other states have there restrictions lifted later on in the year then games can be moved back to Vic, NSW & Qld.
There was talk a week ago of the Tassie group being split between Hobart and Launceston but with that local outbreak in the north-west I'm guessing Hobart will be the hub down there.
They also said last night that families of the players will be allowed in the hub if the player needs to be with his family (such as having young kids).
-
I wonder with issues down in Burnie if this changes things around whether Tassie becomes a hub?
-
America’s top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci believes sports can safely be played without fans in stadiums.
“Nobody comes to the stadium.
“Put them (athletes) in big hotels, wherever you want to play.
“Keep them very well surveilled and have them tested like every week and make sure they don’t wind up infecting each other or their family and just let them play the season out.”
https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-league/dr-fauci-raises-hopes-for-return-of-sport-c-979102
-
‘It’s a risk’: Health chief lukewarm on AFL idea ahead of Gil meeting
3aw
16 April 2020
Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has expressed a lukewarm opinion of AFL hubs ahead of a meeting with competition boss Gil McLachlan to discuss the future of the 2020 season.
While the football industry speculates wildly about when and how the season resumes, the man who will ultimately have the biggest say revealed to Neil Mitchell he was due to discuss the matter with McLachlan today.
“I’ve got to call him back! I’ve got a voicemail from him,” Dr Brett Sutton said on 3AW Mornings.
“We’ll have a conversation about (recommencing the season) today.
“I think training is one thing but a national competition needs borders open between states and territories where people aren’t quarantined when they move across.
“It’s early days so I think we need to consider how they might maintain their professional skills, but competition is another question.”
Neil Mitchell said the idea of isolation hubs concerned him because of the potential of an outbreak.
Dr Sutton agreed “it is a risk”.
“People who have any symptoms need to be excluded from those groups, and they need to be really careful about how close they are when they do come together.
“I think it’s OK to be coming together as a hub but that physical distancing needs to happen.
“And maybe the number of interactions between individuals needs to be minimised so that if someone does become unwell and gets confirmed as having coronavirus, then it’s only three or four people who need to be quarantined and not 30 or 40.”
https://www.3aw.com.au/its-a-risk-health-chief-lukewarm-on-afl-idea-ahead-of-gil-meeting/
-
Gil's view:
ON THE POTENTIAL OF PLAYING IN HUBS …
"It's incumbent upon us to look at every option. That ranges from playing the way we have historically, to various levels of quarantine. We are working with the right people, the government, security experts and the right medical officers to get a considered view about the right way to take us forward."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/391467/gill-on-longer-seasons-the-draft-and-when-footy-could-return
-
It would suck big time if your team got quarantined and couldn't finish the season.
-
Virus hubs not remote islands: AFL boss
Jason Phelan
ESPN
18 April 2020
The idea of a quarantine hub might evoke images of AFL players being banished to remote islands for some people, but that's not how the league views the concept.
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan moved to allay fears about the controversial proposal on Friday.
The hub plan, which would have teams separated into three groups and isolated in different states to limit their exposure to COVID-19, is one of the scenarios the league is considering to restart the suspended season.
Key industry figures like the AFLPA's Paul Marsh and Patrick Dangerfield have expressed concerns about the concept, with GWS chairman Tony Shepherd even likening hubs to cruise ships.
"I don't know where we'll land on (hubs), there are a range of options," McLachlan told 3AW.
"But I do feel that hubs mean different things to different people and it can be applied differently.
"People have thoughts of remote islands and different stuff but in its simplest form it's enhanced quarantine measures for if and when we get back on the park.
"I'm confident it's more like 'when' and then there will be increased quarantine measures as is appropriate and I think people would expect."
The AFL is working on a return-to-play plan to put to clubs by the end of April, with growing confidence in the industry that games might resume in July.
In further developments on Friday, McLachlan didn't dismiss the prospect of players returning to clubs to train in groups before a date has been set for the resumption of the season.
Victoria's chief medical officer Brett Sutton appeared to give the move his blessing when he told 3AW: "I think we need to consider how (players) might maintain their professional skills, but competition is another question."
"What we've been clear on is that wherever we go we'll be in lock step with the advice of governments," McLachlan replied when asked about a return to training.
"Particularly in Victoria, we're clearly taking direct advice from the chief medical officer.
"I think we've been superbly led in this state and we'll take their advice."
https://www.espn.com.au/afl/story/_/id/29047231/afl-boss
-
Victoria a quarantine hub option: AFL boss
Jason Phelan
7 News
Saturday, 18 April 2020 3:22 pm
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says Victoria remains a viable option to host a quarantine hub as the league edges closer to restarting the 2020 season.
McLachlan revealed on Saturday that he has a tentative return date in his mind and that players should be optimistic about the situation, with the league to announce a return-to-play plan by the end of the month.
The hub concept, which would see teams split into three groups and isolated in different states to limit their exposure to COVID-19, is increasingly likely to come into play.
Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland had been viewed as key states to that strategy, but a drop off in new cases in Victoria has improved chances the state could host a hub.
"Victoria has extraordinary proximate facilities, so there are obviously opportunities, like there are in every state to various levels," McLachlan told Fox Footy.
"You clearly need venues, options with centralised accommodation, you need training facilities, you need medical facilities and they're all being assessed.
"There are live examples of things being looked at in every state and territory."
McLachlan didn't dismiss a hub hypothetical that was put him that would see games played at the MCG, players and staff housed at the nearby Pullman and Mantra hotels and training sessions held at Collingwood's headquarters and Richmond's Punt Road Oval.
Hospitals and scanning facilities are also located nearby.
The AFL chief accepts that there is a level of restlessness amongst isolated players and that "there is a point where all people need to look forward".
However, he reiterated the season won't get back underway without the blessing of relevant state and federal medical authorities.
The AFL has worked with those authorities and international sporting codes to come up with a strict set of protocols that would help safeguard players in a hub scenario.
McLachlan has been at pains to demystify the hub concept that GWS chairman Tony Shepherd has described as potentially having the same level of infection risk as a cruise ship.
"There's the most extreme (idea) where you are on an island or a green field site, you can put a fence around it and you completely lock it," he said.
"And then at its least extreme it's a level of quarantine measures and protocols that mean you're not actually living your normal life and the way you go about footy.
"What I've said is that I think there's going to be some level of quarantine measures that will mean that when we start it won't be (a season) as we've known it."
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/victoria-a-quarantine-hub-option-afl-boss-c-984787
-
Quarantine protocols will become AFL 'bible'
Peter Ryan
The Age
19 April 2020
Quarantine measures introduced by the league to enable training and AFL games to restart with government approval will become "the bible" for players and officials to follow in 2020, according to AFL CEO Gill McLachlan.
The AFL is working on establishing an extensive set of protocols that will guide players and officials when they ramp up preparation for games to resume in stadiums without crowds.
McLachlan told Fox Footy on Saturday he had examined an initial document relating to quarantine measures that already ran to 15 pages as the AFL's medical team, led by Dr Peter Harcourt, liaised with government, chief medical officers and international sports in order to take a proposal to the government.
"Resilience measures and the protocols being formed by government and the chief medical officers and others our team are talking to – including international sports – will form a set of protocols that will become the bible which will govern how all our players, officials and our game goes forward," McLachlan said.
Clubs are yet to be informed of the nature the return might take but club sources expect there will be a graded return which might see players initially allowed to train in small groups with one official away from the club before scaling up the interaction to the point where games can take place.
AFL clubs had a taste of protocols in the lead-up to round one when they were issued guidelines that included training in smaller groups, keeping hygiene levels high and restricting their interactions with those outside football departments.
The revised set of guidelines will be much further advanced and expected to be much stronger, with testing underpinning the return.
There will also be continued social distancing as much as is possible when not playing games.
The AFL's access to testing equipment will be dependent on the availability of resources, with both the government and the AFL working together to ensure that the restart of the competition does not stretch the public health system.
Governments are also interested in learning from elite sporting organisations as to how to effectively relax measures around community participation in sport without jeopardising health.
No AFL player has been diagnosed with COVID-19 which has given the competition a level of confidence it can proceed under heavy restrictions in the coming months.
"There will be some level of quarantine measures that will mean the games when we start won't be as we have known it," McLachlan said.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/quarantine-protocols-will-become-afl-bible-20200418-p54l2b.html
-
Why not an island in Queensland or bass straight. Then basically they could run around and do whatever as long as no one had the disease.
-
AFL would need national proposal before resuming: Sutton
Roy Ward, Rachel Eddie
The Age
20 April 2020
While Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Sutton both expressed a desire to see football return, they won't let it resume if it threatens the gains made in flattening the COVID-19 curve.
"We are all keen to get AFL back and get moving again with the right timing and the right assurances," Sutton said.
"Gil said he hadn't been within two metres of someone for five weeks and that's the kind of demonstration we need across the board."
Sutton said the AFL would have to have clear plans on dealing with player health.
"It needs a detailed proposal that works through exactly how risk is managed, how physical distancing is managed, and [how] surveillance for illness in any players is managed," Sutton said.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-would-need-national-proposal-before-resuming-sutton-20200420-p54ldn.html
-
League-wide player survey looms as referendum on AFL hub concept.
Once handed enough information, every player in the competition will have the chance to give feedback via a survey similar to the one they completed on the Monday night before Round 1.
Key issues include where the hubs will be, how long players will be there, whether families will be permitted, and the repercussions (if any) for players who elect not to travel.
Once completed, the PA will have a consensus on key issues and represent the players in discussions with the AFL.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/league-wide-player-survey-looms-as-referendum-on-afl-hub-concept-c-990552
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-aflpa-survey-on-quarantine-hubs-coronavirus-news-patrick-dangerfield-cba-pay-deal/news-story/93d7a089c60c319c6bea50e03254eae9
-
AFL preparing quarantine hubs in every state
Sam McClure said every state in the country is readying themselves to host a hub in the event there’s a localised outbreak and the league has to rapidly shift venues.
“As soon as the AFL get the green light from the Chief Medical Officer, they’ll be implementing these hubs straight away,” he told Sportsday.
“The AFL are planning a hub in all six states and two territories…what they want is options so when they do get the green light, they want to go straight away.
“I’d think clubs would want to be ready to go.”
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/04/21/afl-preparing-quarantine-hubs-in-every-state-mcclure/
AFL PLANNING HUBS ‘EVERYWHERE’ TO ENSURE QUICK RESTART
Collingwood president and ‘coronavirus cabinet’ member Eddie McGuire says the AFL is covering as many hub bases as possible to ensure it can quickly reboot the season when ready.
The hub concept, under which teams would split into three groups and isolate in different states to limit COVID-19 exposure, is increasingly likely to come into play.
It’s been reported the AFL is working at an initial interstate model, featuring Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia, before moving to the MCG once Victoria is fully up and running.
Speaking on Triple M’s Hot Breakfast, McGuire said the AFL, governments and health officials were all looking at a “detailed plan”.
“What the AFL doesn’t want to do is become a pain in the neck to the health authorities. So they want to go with the one thing at the right time and get it done,” McGuire said on Wednesday morning.
”You’re going to hear all sorts of different hubs — because we could play anywhere if there’s no crowds, by the way — but the point is, you’ve also got to be realistic for the TV companies. It’s one thing to say ‘we’ll play in Mildura’, but it’s going to cost you a fortune to rig the whole thing to broadcast it.
“They’re going to plan to do it everywhere, so that when the time comes they can do it somewhere.”
AFL’S HOMETOWN HUB PLAN TAKING SHAPE
As many as 12 games a week could be played in Melbourne with the city shaping as a key quarantine hub when the season resumes.
Talks are continuing around where the AFL will play its games, potentially as soon as July 10, according to Nine and the Herald Sun.
The MCG is said to be in a condition to host as many as six games a week if required, while Marvel Stadium has the same capacity.
It was initially believed the MCG wasn’t suitable as a quarantine hub, where teams would base themselves in a clean environment for an as-necessary period of time to play multiple games against fellow quarantined sides.
But it’s now thought to be more likely. Victoria’s 10 teams and club officials could all be housed across the Pullman and Mantra on Jolimont hotels, with their combined capacity of 620 rooms.
The MCC and Victorian government are both said to be keen on playing games in the state as soon as it’s safe to do so.
LEAGUE HAS SPOKEN TO WA GOVERNMENT ON HUBS
The AFL has spoken with the Western Australian government about a footy restart, WA premier Mark McGowan has confirmed.
Speaking today, McGowan said the AFL had been in touch regarding its ideas for hubs across various states to keep players isolated while being able to get a season away.
“Within the best health advice, if we can have teams based here, if we can have a competition based here, I think that would be great for morale across the community,” he said.
“We’ll take the best health advice on that and if the AFL complies with that advice it’s something we’d look strongly at.
“There would have to be some self isolation within the guidelines of the players, that would be a restriction to be complied with.”
“We’ll certainly take medical advice on how a competition based locally might be able to resume.
“We currently have people come in for work purposes and have to isolate in a hotel for two weeks before they go to work.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-coronavirus-blog-12-games-in-melbourne-a-week-afl-season-start-date-july-10-quarantine-hubs/news-story/e722b88c3e4f901e30b8052a23372846
-
AFL teams could play on in hubs even if player tests positive
Peter Ryan
The Age
22 April 2020
A team could continue playing in quarantine hubs even if one of its players tests positive for COVID-19 under an early proposal related to testing outlined by the AFL to clubs on Tuesday.
The player would go into isolation under medical supervision and all people who came into contact with the player or official would be tested to ensure the virus had not been transmitted.
Clubs were on Tuesday given an indication of the testing protocols that could – subject to government approval – be put in place once the season resumes as hoped later this year, to enable it to proceed uninterrupted once the ball is bounced.
Clubs were informed that players and officials would be tested before going into quarantine hubs and then be tested twice a week and on match day.
They would also be subject to daily medical screening and temperature tests to pick up any early symptoms if they arise.
If one player or official tested positive to COVID-19, the team – subject to other participants being cleared of the virus – would be able to continue playing in the competition.
It is unclear how the AFL would procure the level of testing required. A fundamental guiding principle of any return-to-play plan is that the resumption of the season would not put any stress on the public health system and would need government approval.
Sources said the AFL was being led by government in relation to what was possible and the environment was changing so quickly that protocols were continually being updated, with the situation expected to be different if games kicked off in late June or early July.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-teams-could-play-on-in-hubs-even-if-player-tests-positive-20200422-p54m5n.html
-
Every team in one city? Plans for hubs ramp up
By Mitch Cleary
afl.com.au
22 April 2020 7:00pm
THE AFL is weighing up the possibility of housing all 18 clubs in one city to resume matches this season.
The League's general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld has given the strongest indication yet teams will be placed in quarantine hubs in order to return to playing amid the outbreak of coronavirus.
With a date set to be announced in coming weeks, Auld and the AFL executive continue to work through the best structure that includes the likelihood of between one to three hubs.
"It feels like the only way we're going to get our season started," Auld said.
"It may not be the way we complete our season, but it certainly feels like the way we need to get it started.
"A hub is a term for 'How do we put our players in an environment where we can, first prioritise their health and safety but also not be a burden on the community?'.
"We've got a few options in front of us. They range from one hub with 18 teams together playing out of 2-3 stadiums.
"Then there's an opportunity to have maybe up to three hubs with six teams in each hub located in different states playing out of traditional home and away venues."
It is understood the AFL is making plans with all states and territories over the possibility of housing a quarantine hub. The ultimate decision will rest on governments providing a tick of approval.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/391862/every-team-in-one-city-plans-for-hubs-ramp-up
-
Why not an island in Queensland or bass straight. Then basically they could run around and do whatever as long as no one had the disease.
The hub(s) will need to be at an AFL stadium which is already set-up for the TV networks.
-
Every state remains a contender to host quarantine hubs when the AFL restarts, League boss Gillon McLachlan says.
Hubs are almost certain to be a requirement if the AFL season resumes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with a return date to be confirmed as soon as next week.
"The guys are, or will be, talking to every state and there's a set of criteria that's being looked at," McLachlan told Triple M on Thursday.
"The first port of call is obviously the states that are keen for us to set up there and we start working through the logistics after that.
"There's a wide range of options - I doubt we'll be playing in every state and territory - but we're looking at every possibility."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/391872/afl-hubs-possible-in-all-states-why-swans-chief-wants-sydney-hub
-
* Four regions of Victoria are under consideration for use as an accommodation base – the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast, Yarra Valley and the Macedon precinct.
* THE cost of operating a hub, or hubs, would run into tens of millions of dollars, given accommodation would be required for at least six weeks (three weeks of "pre-season" training and then a minimum least three weeks of matches) for at least 740 players (18 clubs times 40 players) and a collective hundreds of staff.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/391907/millions-to-be-slashed-from-clubs-soft-cap-wine-regions-in-vic-hub-mix
-
One of the AFL’s biggest stars is genuinely torn on a radical concept
April 23, 2020 5:37pm
Tom Morris
FOX SPORTS
A candid Riewoldt spoke extensively on the matter on Fox Footy Live, admitting the thought of setting up camp without his young family in another city would be “difficult.”
The AFL Players’ Association will next week ask all 840 players to complete a survey on a variety of issues impacting them over the next few months.
One of these discussion points will be quarantine hubs, which the league has been contemplating almost since the season was postponed.
While some players such as Taylor Adams are happy to go anywhere to resume the season, others are not as willing.
It’s likely players would have to relocate for a minimum of six weeks, the first three of which would be without games.
Riewoldt stopped short of pouring cold water on the plan, likely to cost tens of millions of dollars, but didn’t give it a resounding endorsement either.
“Clearly people with families are going to be more affected than young 18 or 19 year old kids that don’t have kids to look after or don’t have as many duties at home,” Riewoldt said on Fox Footy Live.
“I think that when players speak about it, they probably do so from their own perspective. Not from the greater group. Look, it certainly would be difficult for me and my family.
“(But) I’ve got a job that I need to go out and do. To be honest, I’m still really up in the air about it a little bit. Some days I think I’d really struggle away from my family. And then I think the AFL will come to some sort of agreement as well with guys like me and people in my situation. It is going to be an interesting one.”
Riewoldt was quizzed on the possibility of families travelling with players interstate to ease the burden, but the two-time premiership player said he’d prefer to wait for the league to confirm details before committing one way or another.
“It’s one you have to weigh up as a family,” he said from his couch at home.
“We really don’t have parents here, either of us, so we haven’t got any support in that area. And everyone is isolating at the moment.
“A change of environment might be a good thing. You have to weigh it up. There are so many things you get used to at home that you’d be taking yourself and your family away from.
“It’s really hard to comment without seeing what the AFL is going to put together.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-coronavirus-news-updates-season-return-hubs-jack-riewoldt-fox-footy-live/news-story/1f0ac1c5f8aca3251460e06a1e5ea4ca
-
Cornes tells Riewoldt ‘suck it up’ on AFL hub
April 24, 2020 12:10pm
Fox Sports
Speaking this morning, Kane Cornes said he was surprised at Jack Riewoldt’s indecision.
“I reckon 85-90 per cent of the players we interview put their hand up and say yep we’ve gotta play, we’ve gotta get the game back on,” Cornes said on SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“I think players have gotta understand they’ve got a responsibility for the players coming after them to get the game back on.
“If that requires being away from home for six weeks you’re probably going to have to suck it up, aren’t you (sic)?
“Considering you’ve just been at home for 11 weeks with your family which you wouldn’t have got prior to this situation.
“Yes it’s not ideal… but if this is what’s required it’s not the worst thing. Now if there’s going to be a hub in Melbourne then you’re probably don’t have that situation and Riewoldt will be able to stay home with his family, but put your hand up say look we’re happy to do whatever it takes for the game and if not, you don’t have to go, no one’s forcing you to go and play.
“The Olympians go away and spend a month overseas, cricketers go away and spend I don’t know, 300 days a year overseas? I reckon the AFL players can spend four weeks interstate, it’s not that bad, particularly because you’ve just had 11 weeks home with your family for 24 hours a day that you wouldn’t have had.
“So I’m not disappointed, I am surprised when I hear comments like that from Jack Riewoldt because I reckon 85-90 per cent of players are putting their hand up saying yep, we’ve gotta go, we’ve gotta get this game on thee road, it if means being away for a couple of weeks… we’re not going overseas, we’re just going interstate… we’ll be OK.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-afl-kane-cornes-jack-riewoldt-afl-hubs-coronavirus-covid19/news-story/c715f1127e19adee4ba67490ed21d592
-
Tom Browne on Ch 7 news last night claimed a single hub is becoming the favoured option as it can be better controlled. Every state now wants to be a/the hub.
-
Tom Browne on Ch 7 news tonight:
The AFL is doing everything possible to satisfy its players with footy's re-start all but certain to begin in quarantine hubs.
https://twitter.com/7NewsMelbourne/status/1253969549579284481
* Training to start on May 11.
* 2-3 weeks of training needed before season restarts.
* Teams to spend 4-6 weeks isolated in a hub.
* Given that is a lengthy time to be apart from families, the League is considering to allow families to live in the hub(s).
-
HUB ISOLATION DETAILS EMERGE
Foxsports
26 April 2020
AFL players could spend up to two months in isolation hubs as clubs push back against the possibility of families joining them.
Adelaide captain Rory Sloane told Fox Footy Live yesterday he would consider bringing his wife and seven-month-old son with him into an isolation hub.
According to one report, many clubs are against that and similar scenarios.
“They will need to go into an isolated state, the three week pre-season will come inside that timeframe,” Damian Barrett told Channel 9.
“It needs to be a minimum of six weeks, the three weeks of pre-season and a minus of three weeks of matches… there is a preparedness for it to be longer than the six and quite possibly as long as the eight.
“Most clubs don’t want the families there… that will cause problems for some players.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-afl-2020-afl-draft-matthew-lloyd-alastair-clarkson-afl-draft-rory-sloane-adelaide-crows-afl-hub/news-story/ce0699beeec21ef6c439a8313c627160
-
Four regions of Victoria are under consideration for use as an accommodation base – the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast, Yarra Valley and the Macedon precinct.
Barrett mentioned this again today. If I heard him right he thinks there will be 5-6 clubs.
-
Gold Coast in box seat to be one of three hubs to resume AFL season.
https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/gold-coast-in-box-seat-to-be-one-of-three-hubs-to-resume-afl-season/news-story/39f6080092a81c91b8cb03b78af139f1
-
AFL Hub Concept To Be Decided On May 10th
Footy news breaker Tom Browne reported on the Hot Breakfast this morning that a decision on the AFL's 'Hub' concept will go in front of a national cabinet on May 10th.
The league are working closely with health officials & the government to get the new format signed off on so the season can continue.
If it is approved then the season could recommence by late June/early July.
The AFL are being very vigilant that the 'Hub' concept is water tight and would be compliant with all local Covid-19 measures.
Browne couldn't confirm where the Hubs would be located just yet, but floated that the Gold Coast has emerged as a contender.
https://www.triplem.com.au/story/afl-hub-concept-to-be-decided-on-may-10th-160236
----------------------------------------------------
7NEWS estimates a hub housing more than 1000 players, coaches and officials could already cost the AFL more than $200,000 a day.
(https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-1000521/b3ff332d6bfca94d6cb430bf2ec3580c0c3521b7.png?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Adding dozens of partners and children to the mix could see costs skyrocket at a time when the AFL is cutting costs left, right and centre.
https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-faces-showdown-with-players-over-200000-a-day-hub-headache-c-1000521
-------------------------------------------------------
Clubs to meet the AFL soon at 2pm. At the last meeting 20 options were put to them.
-
AFL to turn testing times into hub measure
Sam McClure
The Age
27 April 2020
Every person granted access to AFL hubs will have to be tested upon entry and then several times a week under rigorous protocols being fleshed out by league bosses and health experts.
The AFL is also working closely with the federal government in a bid to purchase a large amount of coronavirus testing kits without impacting the availability for the wider community.
The Australian Health Protection Principle Committee (AHPPC) will meet on Friday, where it is hoped the AFL will be given further guidance as to how and when they will be able to return to train and play.
The national cabinet will then gather on Sunday, May 10, the day before the state of emergency in Victoria is set to expire.
All things going to plan, the AFL will then be able to publicly declare when they expect to resume matches.
The use of hubs will be the only way the heavily impacted 2020 season will be able to kick-start again, having lasted just one round behind closed doors.
Crowds will continue to be locked out for the foreseeable future, with league executives holding a glimmer of hope that games later in the year – potentially finals – will be able to include live spectators in some capacity.
All players, staff and other certified people given access to hubs will be required to be tested upon entry and then multiple times each week.
One model the AFL is working towards would allow health authorities to know the result of the test on the same day the sample was taken.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-to-turn-testing-times-into-hub-measure-20200427-p54nnf.html
-
#AFL hub news: South Australia has fallen down the pecking order to host a hub when footy resumes. The lack of a 2nd high-quality venue is a major sticking point. The league's keen on 3 hubs x 6 teams but will take 2x9/1x18. Qld (Gabba/Metricon) and Vic loom as 2 main spots.
https://twitter.com/TheoDrop/status/1254698219272953856
Caro believes that two hubs is now the favourite. One in Queensland. The two hubs chosen will be based on best facilities and financial viability.
Interstate clubs are concerned about a Victorian hub based at the M.C.G. giving an unfair advantage to Richmond, Collingwood & Hawthorn.
Balmey said no one will care about competitive advantages as we all just want the footy to restart. Obviously we all have a preference and it suits us being in Melbourne but all up we just want to play again.
-
AFL sends memo to clubs, has date in mind for re-start
By Damian Barrett
afl.com.au
28 April 2020
THE AFL has revealed it has a "date in mind for the resumption of play" but will await the outcome of a national cabinet meeting on May 10 before making it public.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan on Monday wrote to all clubs reiterating that the week beginning May 11 would be the timeframe for an announcement of plans.
In a long memo, McLachlan confirmed a hub, or hubs, would be used to re-start matches, which were suspended after round one due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We remain really optimistic about completing the remaining 144 games plus finals and we know that the hub model gives us our best chance of being able to continue with the season once we start," the memo read.
"… hopefully we might end up starting with a hub model and finishing with teams able to fly interstate without the need for a quarantine period."
All state governments and territories are actively working with the AFL in the hope of hosting clubs in hubs.
Whichever venues are chosen, accommodation for players will be within a 60-minute drive of venues.
It was revealed last week on AFL.com.au that hub options in Victoria include the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast, Macedon and Yarra Valley.
The Gold Coast region is also firming as a hub option.
"We hope to have that work done by next Monday before moving to formalise government, venue, accommodation, and broadcaster agreements next week and – as flagged on Friday – an announcement in the week starting May 11 following the meeting of the national cabinet on May 10," McLachlan wrote.
"We still have a date in mind for the resumption of play but – again – we are working closely with the government and the chief medical health officers through this period and we will await for their sign-off before formalising the date."
The memo also broadly referenced the costs of the hubs, as well as considerations being applied to families of players.
"It is going to be really important to have the right mental and emotional health support as well as physical support and the ability where possible to allow players as much freedom of movement within a village/hub as possible," the memo read.
"The players have been fantastic but we also know this is not a normal situation for them or their families or anyone in the game, including our supporters."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/392269/afl-sends-memo-to-clubs-has-date-in-mind-for-re-start
-
Players just told by the AFLPA relaying the AFL's message:
* 20 weeks total in quarantine hubs.
* 8 weeks in first phase hub (3 week preseason then 5 week block of games).
* Then players get one week break at home.
* Second phase hub to finish rest of season (8 weeks H/A) including finals (4 weeks).
* Top sides could be in the second hub for 12 weeks straight.
* Clubs now taking stock on which players won't be available due to (young) family reasons.
Source: Sam Edmunds on SEN.
-
AFL players facing five MONTHS in hubs via long-term lockdown plan
April 28, 2020 5:45pm
by Tom Morris and Matt Balmer
FOX SPORTS
Foxfooty.com.au understands players were told on Tuesday afternoon that the league is strongly considering a long-term lockdown to complete the 2020 season with partners and children not permitted to join players.
The AFL Players’ Association relayed the information to players, who were linked via an 830-person teleconference call.
But in a twist that is likely to cause some angst, it’s understood the league has been told families are critical if players are to approve the hub plan.
Players also harbour mental health concerns related to being away in quarantine for a possible 20 out of 21 weeks.
The plan will not be approved by the players if families are not permitted to join them in hubs.
Clubs would have one week off in between the two phases, and then complete the season with another 12-week hub.
The last four weeks of the secondary phase would be a finals campaign, so players in teams that finish outside the top eight would not be required for the full three months.
The first phase would see clubs train for three weeks and then play seven games in five weeks.
Southeast Queensland and Perth are firming as the most likely non-Victorian hubs for phase one.
Phase two is almost certain to be in Victoria, with the MCG confident of hosting the Grand Final.
It’s understood the cost of having families join players and/or coaches in quarantine hubs is too high, though players would have the option to sit out games.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2020-aflpa-players-meeting-five-months-in-quarantine-hubs-lockdown-plan-where-are-the-hubs-2020-season-plan/news-story/68a3fa0ba219a7487925c6f119e8f3c7
----------------------------------------------
AFL to decide location of quarantine hubs this week
The AFL will make a decision on the location of quarantine hubs this week and will meet with the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee on Friday to discuss their plans.
The governing body will then work through potential fixture models with broadcast partners by next Monday, according to an update sent to clubs via email from AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-28/afl-hubs-decision-expected-this-week-league-quiet-comeback-date/12192882
-
At this stage, the most likely hub model for the competition is a two hub set-up of 10 teams in one location and eight clubs in the other, though the league has not ruled three hubs of six teams each.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-boss-gillon-mclachlan-hopes-teams-escape-from-quarantine-20200428-p54o1q.html