AFL players facing five MONTHS in hubs via long-term lockdown planApril 28, 2020 5:45pm
by Tom Morris and Matt Balmer
FOX SPORTSFoxfooty.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