Crows, Power players will train on Monday to prepare for Round 1 of the AFL season, despite coronavirus uncertainty
Adelaide and Port Adelaide say their lists are healthy and players will train at their clubs on Monday in readiness for Round 1, despite coronavirus casting doubts over the season. And one big name will be available for the Power.
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Adelaide and Port Adelaide players will return to their clubs for training on Monday morning and prepare for Round 1 as normal, despite the extraordinary uncertainty surrounding the AFL season.
As of Sunday, both clubs said none of their players had reported any flu-like symptoms, had self-isolated or been tested for the coronavirus, which will force games to be played in empty stadiums from this weekend.
The Power and Crows trained on Saturday, had Sunday off and are back at their clubs on Monday.
Adelaide is due to play Sydney at Adelaide Oval from 4.05pm on Saturday in what will be new coach Matthew Nicks’ first official game in charge, and the 200th game of captain Rory Sloane’s career.
Port Adelaide is set to play Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium at 7.25pm on Saturday night and is awaiting a decision from the AFL with regard to travel arrangements, which may include a chartered flight to the Gold Coast on Friday.
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The only big-name Crows unavailable for Round 1 selection are Tom Doedee as he recovers from a minor setback with his reconstructed knee, and Riley Knight who had achilles surgery earlier this month.
The Power will be without Ollie Wines as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but Charlie Dixon trained on Saturday and is expected to be available for Round 1 after recovering from a minor adductor strain in the Power’s last pre-season game.
The Advertiser understands all games will be off limits, even to family, and Port Adelaide has encouraged its staff to work from home wherever possible.
The Power is also planning to communicate with its members in coming days to answer questions regarding membership and the Round 2 Showdown, which it is hosting and was a cornerstone of its 150th anniversary celebrations.
There are reports the AFL is looking at changing its fixture by playing as many games as possible in the next month, but the hidden ‘competitive advantage’ could yet come from which clubs can isolate their players the best and keep their full list healthy and available for selection throughout the season.
Crows forward Taylor Walker told Channel 7 that he was “sad and disappointed” for the fans who can’t attend games, but the team was “super excited and well-prepared” for the start of the season.
“As a footy club we are really supportive of the decision of the AFL, and we are pumped, we can’t wait, we’ve trained over the pre-season and are looking forward to playing,” Walker said.
“We’ll try to make it as special as we can for Sloaney and his family ... whether his family are allowed to come or not, I’m sure we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
“We’ll chuck him up on our shoulders (post-game) for sure, he can wave to the goal umpires. We’ll have a bit of fun with it and hopefully put on a good show for our fans and supporters who are watching at home.
”They (the fans) are the people I feel for.
“They put a lot of time and effort and generate revenue for our game and football club, so for them not to be able to watch us is disappointing, but I can assure them the club and players are doing their best to keep them involved and put on a good show on Saturday.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au