AFL clubs set to come indoors to escape Melbourne’s choking smoke haze
Pre-season training plans for several Melbourne clubs are being rewritten in response to potential health risks associated with the city’s choking smoke haze. Which teams are taking action?
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AFL clubs have been forced to move their scheduled training sessions indoors to protect players from Melbourne’s “hazardous” air.
Smoke haze from the East Gippsland and New South Wales bushfires has engulfed Melbourne and conditions are expected to worsen today.
Collingwood, St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs have all moved training sessions indoors today in response to the conditions, while Melbourne has postponed a planned hitout at Gosch’s Paddock.
Due to the hazardous air quality in Melbourne, players will be training indoors and offsite on Wednesday.
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) January 14, 2020
Apologies to any of the Magpie Army who planned to come and watch at the Holden Centre. #gopies pic.twitter.com/php91u3kNQ
In particular, the smoke-filled air poses a risk to players who suffer from asthma and can induce coughing fits, breathing problems and headaches.
Melbourne’s air quality yesterday morning was officially rated “hazardous” by Environment Protection Authority Victoria, forcing Carlton to move its session indoors.
Planning on heading into training today, red + blue?
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) January 14, 2020
Please note that this morning's session on Gosch's Paddock has been postponed, due to air quality.
We'll bring you an update later today, as to whether the boys will be out on the track this afternoon.
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Clubs are already beginning to have full-scale match simulation sessions in preparation for the new season but they appear unlikely to take place outdoors today.
The AFL confirmed its medical team spoke with club officials last week about the dangers of smoke pollution and best practice guidelines for players, coaches and staff.
It is up to clubs and their medicos whether to cancel outdoor training sessions due to the poor air quality and subsequent health and safety risks.
The air quality rating can vary significantly depending on the training venue location and wind strength in the local area.
The EPA has gain forecast very poor to hazardous air quality in Melbourne today.
Club officials said they would closely conditions in the morning before making a call on training.
Originally published as AFL clubs set to come indoors to escape Melbourne’s choking smoke haze
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