SAPOL, State Government eases AFL training restrictions, which could see Adelaide and Port Adelaide play Showdown at home

A relaxing of training restrictions for South Australia’s AFL clubs has ignited a push for Showdown 48 between the Crows and Power to be played in Adelaide – and not on the Gold Coast.

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Adelaide Oval will host Showdown 48 in Round 2 if given a green light by the AFL after a dramatic change in South Australian government training regulations.

It is up to AFL boss Gillon McLachan to approve a request from SA Premier Steven Marshall for the fixture to be played in Adelaide and avert a marathon quarantine sentence for the Crows and Power on the Gold Coast.

Common sense prevailed on Tuesday with Adelaide and Port Adelaide granted elite athlete exemptions that permit full contact training in South Australia.

The clubs provided a joint submission to government.

“I have requested that the AFL consider a Showdown when the season resumes,” Mr Marshall told The Advertiser.

“That means a further one week delay when our players would have to leave the state.

“There are very strict conditions with this so it is not like it is just open slather.

“They are, basically, in a form of isolation only being permitted to go to the grounds for training and then go home.”

The easing of training restrictions in South Australia could see the Crows and Power do battle at home in Round 2. Picture: Sarah Reed

A day after squabbling about sharing a Gold Coast hotel from Sunday, the Crows and Power can now pursue full contact training until at least June 10 in Adelaide before entering their quarantine hub.

The 2020 season recommences from June 11 while Adelaide, Port, West Coast, Fremantle, Brisbane and the Suns will complete a four to six week block of games on the Gold Coast.

Showdown 48 could be played on June 12, which would reduce time spent on the Gold Coast, money on accommodation and angst for families of players.

“This is a really outcome for the players and their families and the support staff,” Mr Marshall said.

“This will allow them to stay in Adelaide much longer.

“If this exemption did not come through they would’ve been on the plane this coming Sunday.

Adelaide chief executive Andrew Fagan said the training exemption was “really positive news for the club”, with the playing group, coaches and football staff given “peace of mind”.

“They can stay at home and conduct full contact training, starting from Monday like other AFL teams across the country,” he said.

“It will allow us to maximise our preparation in the lead-up to the restart of the season and obviously in some instances limit the time our people are away from loved ones.

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Premier Steven Marshall is lobbying the AFL for Showdown 48 to be played where it should be – in Adelaide. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

“We appreciate the support of the State Government, South Australia Police and relevant health authorities, and commend them on their efforts in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in this state.”

The Crows and Power were due to leave for the Gold Coast on Sunday where full contact training was permitted from May 25.

Emergency management state coordinator police commissioner Grant Stevens lifted a ban on full contract training, which had been in place until June 8.

According to a SAPOL statement, players must remain in their respective places of residence and only permitted to travel to and from the particular training venue when required.

They may leave their residence for essential reasons such as seeking medical assistance.

This will allow the two clubs to train on a comparative basis to other AFL teams preparing interstate.

An SANFL exemption could not be given as players were not fully professional with the ability to self isolate.

Doedee puts Barossa breach behind him

Tom Doedee regrets Adelaide’s Barossa isolation breach but reconciles there’s ‘bigger’ concerns as players embrace draconian measures from family quarantine restrictions to ‘bonking bans’ that ensure AFL’s return.

Doedee says it was pure ‘exuberance’ that caused the isolation breach while running in the Barossa that saw 16 Crows receive suspended, one-game bans and assistant coach Ben Hart rubbed out for six weeks.

Club leader Doedee copped harsh criticism from greats including Matthew Lloyd for the Barossa infringement that saw Adelaide exceed the AFL stipulation of training in pairs.

“I always feel a sense of responsibility, mainly for the younger group and relationships I have with those boys,” said Doedee of the breach this month.

“Personally would love to have my time again and change some things.

Tom Doedee says its time move on from Barossa isolation breach. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We were all over there and just made a mistake, having a run, so excited to be out there.

“It is a case of no point stressing about it any more as we have bigger things to worry about.”

The AFL told The Advertiser there would be a ruling by Sunday on whether players’ families can leave the Mercure Resort where Adelaide and Port Adelaide will reside in a quarantine hub once the season reboots.

Players will be banned from any activities except exercise and buying groceries on the Gold Coast, where a four to six week block of games is scheduled from June 11.

“It is some guys’ release, travel down the coast and have a surf or jump on the golf course. That is something we will have to sacrifice for the games to come through,” said Doedee, elevated to Adelaide’s leadership group this season.

Doedee, 23, conceded there was a risk of spreading COVID-19 to players if family members were permitted to mix with the community outside the AFL hub.

The Mercure Resort has an incredible golf course – but Crows and Power players won’t be allowed to use it while isolating there. Picture: Supplied

“There is the potential for that but would think there would be some restrictions on family if they do come up because we are trying to do everything we can to keep the season going,” said Doedee.

“It is going to be a difficult situation if some guys have to be away from their family. I have my partner and we are still deciding what to do.”

Players face AFL penalties for pursuing casual hook ups that result in the spread of COVID-19 this season.

“This is our job now and we have to make some sacrifices to play and hopefully they see the bigger picture and work through that,” said Doedee of single AFL peers.

Doedee hasn’t played an AFL game since rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament against Hawthorn in the 2019 season opener.

Intercept defender Doedee would be ready to rock in Round 2.

“I would love to run out in round two considering as how long it has been for me,” he said.

“I am just keen to get out there, it feels like forever since I played a game, the knee is fine, hammy is fine.”

Originally published as SAPOL, State Government eases AFL training restrictions, which could see Adelaide and Port Adelaide play Showdown at home