New document reveals updated ‘shutdown’ timeline as AFL plots drastic measures
Glenn Valencich and Tom Browne
7 News
Saturday, 14 March 2020 5:21 pm
Concerned about a government-enforced shutdown, the AFL is attempting to secure fast-turnaround coronavirus tests to safeguard the league against an outbreak that could prematurely postpone the season.
The AFL is preparing to radically adjust upcoming games and the 2020 fixture to complete as many games as possible in a short space of time.
While previous predictions have suggested April and May could be the peak infection period, the AFL’s timeline for a potential government-enforced break focuses on June and July.
That expectation has forced mass changes to contingency plans for the coming months, with league headquarters itself weighing up separating employees into ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams to limit the effect of an outbreak.
A number of proposals have been circulated in a document obtained by 7NEWS on Saturday.
With the primary aim protecting broadcast funds in the wake of lost game-day revenue, 7NEWS understands the key measures include:
Forcing teams to play 4-5 games in a three-week period
Squeezing the fixture to play all 198 home-and-away games
Shortening games, adding rotations and extending the interchange bench
Informing players they must stay home from university and study online
Promoting good hygiene and social distancing to limit the spread
Round one will begin on Thursday behind closed doors after the league was forced to close the gates, with the Australian government recommending the cancellation of non-essential gatherings of 500 people or more.
Source: 7 News website