AFL players told to be on their best behaviour when staying on in Queensland after the season ends
After a series of scandals causing headaches for the AFL’s top brass, footy players staying on in Queensland after the season ends have been told to toe the line or face being sent back to Victoria.
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The AFL expects players to continue their “sensible” approach in Queensland despite growing concerns about breaches when post-season protocols lift.
Many players and their families living the hub life are expected to stay on and holiday in Queensland when the home and away season finishes and their club is out of the finals race. They can remain there under the state’s laws.
“Firstly, it’s just incredible that we’re actually considering the season finishing,’’ said AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking.
“If you go back three or four months it’s unbelievable we’ve actually got to this position.
“Quite clearly we’ve done that off the back of really good protocols the AFL has designed and largely everyone has been good to do that.
“We’ve been fortunate that Mark Anderson the CEO of Collingwood and a number of other CEOs have got involved. They’re coming together to work with us as far as what it needs to look like post season for those clubs that are finishing up.
“The large majority of people, staff, players, have been really sensible and have lived to the standards required and I think that will continue.”
Hocking added the AFL were counting on players to continue using common sense.
“If anyone is expecting like a 10 page document, some plan on the table, it’s not going to be that, it’s going to be just coming together and recognising the fortunate position we’re in,’’ he told Triple M.
“And also heeding expectations that clearly we’ve sent some players home. That’s the standard that’s required.
“We’ve been really tough on the protocols for those that have transgressed and we’ll continue to be that way post (season).”
There is growing concern that another player transgression, off the back of Richmond’s Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones being sent home last week, could jeopardise the finals series.
AFL commentators Brian Taylor and Wayne Carey had a heated debate about this on Saturday with Taylor saying those not participating in finals should return home.
“On the basis, and it’s really important to note this, that yes we can trust the majority, but as have been proven not once, twice, three times, you can’t trust the minority,’’ Taylor said.
Carey said: “They’ve also kept us in a job. And you’re telling me, now do all that sacrifice, let’s send them back to prison in Victoria.”
Taylor replied, “That’s exactly what I’m saying” to which Carey responded “well, I think that is ludicrous.”
Earlier this week St Kilda veteran Dan Hannebery urged the AFL to abandon thoughts of imposing tough restrictions to keep players on their best behaviour.
Already there has been talk about extending strict rules for players and coaches for 48 hours after the last game to help avoid any boozy Mad Monday celebrations.
“The clear message will be to be smart, behave, be mature and try to enjoy yourself. Relax, go to a cafe for breakfast or a restaurant for dinner,” Hannebery said in the transition hub.
“Enjoy a few beers if your season is over, and do it in the right way.
“The players deserve to have a bit of a break and holiday because the reality is we’ve been uprooted out of our homes, blokes have been away from their families for a long time and it’s been the never-ending year.
“I’d be surprised if we weren’t allowed — in the right, mature way — to go about our business and enjoy some time off.”
An AFL spokesperson told the Sunday Herald Sun: “The AFL High Performance Centres have been an integral part of allowing the season to continue since they we were first set up in July and they will continue to accommodate clubs and officials through the end of the Finals Series.
“We know it is a privilege to be able to continue our season and we take seriously the responsibility we have to keep everyone safe. Every single person living in the HPC environment continues to be subject to strict protocols that assist in keeping them and the broader community protected during this time.”
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Originally published as AFL players told to be on their best behaviour when staying on in Queensland after the season ends