Doesn't seem likely that we'll be given an option. Our club has come in from the wilderness in the nick of time.
Government restrictions could force AFL to suspend 2020 AFL season
Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
March 22, 2020
The AFL could be forced to shut down its competition as early as tomorrow after Prime Minister Scott Morrison cancelled all non-essential travel in the country.
The league is currently working through the ramifications of that decision ahead of another meeting of the country’s “wartime” cabinet on Sunday night.
Today’s three AFL games and AFLW final are going ahead as scheduled but as Victoria prepares to shut down its schools by Tuesday, Morrison’s declaration could be a game-changer.
With borders shut by individual states the league could by strict definition continue the season with players undertaking employment that is essential.
But the AFL and its coronavirus cabinet could also make the decision to suspend the season for the foreseeable future given the perception of playing while the country is in lockdown.
A shutdown would likely be for many months given the coronavirus has not peaked and Morrison warned the measures could be in place for six months.
Asked if the AFL season will end because of restrictions on non-essential travel, Morrison said authorities would consider “new arrangements”.
He said of sporting codes continuing: “I’m sure we can work those issues through on a practical case-by-case basis”.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch today told 3AW he was open to the suggestion that clubs played one more round of derbies and instate contests, with the Power playing Adelaide in Round 2.
He admitted if the AFL didn’t handle this crisis properly clubs would go out of business.
“It is the greatest threat to our game that we have been through in probably multiple generations,” he said.
“There is no doubt about that.
“Don’t underestimate if we don’t handle this well, our game out the other side of this bridge won’t look like everyone has been used to.”
Asked about the potential loss of clubs, he replied: “Of course we could (lose clubs).
“It is that serious, but let me tell you every single club and the AFL, what has been achieved in the last 10 days is fricking remarkable.
“The co-operation, the collegiate thinking has been amazing and we are all working our backside off to make sure we get through this and it is no simple matter.”
AFL legend Leigh Matthews told Seven’s GameDay he believed the AFL’s captains should all declare they would take pay cuts as a symbol they were prepared to sacrifice.
“Tell you what I would love - the 10 people on the AFL executive have volunteered a 20 per pay cut. The 18 coaches have volunteered a pay cut. How about the AFL 18 captains showing leadership. They know they will have to take more than a 20 per cent pay cut. But volunteer it as an example to the 800 players.”
It came as Seven broadcaster Hamish McLachlan, the brother of AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, said Eddie McGuire’s projections of a $500 million bloodbath could be underestimating the financial losses.
“I reckon, to be honest, that might be light on. There are $418 million in TV broadcast alone. If we only get one round out of the way that disappeared, plus the gate (ticket sales), plus sponsors plus the membership.”
