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?

Will AFL clubs be forced indoors due to Melbourne's smoke haze?

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.

Apologies to any of the Magpie Army who planned to come and watch at the Holden Centre. #gopies pic.twitter.com/php91u3kNQ

— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) January 14, 2020

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?

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.

— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) January 14, 2020

Watch over 50 sports LIVE on Kayo! Stream to your TV, mobile, tablet or computer. Just $25/month, cancel anytime. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

St Kilda players train indoors on Wednesday due to poor air quality. Picture: Sarah Matray

MORE:

Australian Open 2020: Player anger over Melbourne smoke haze

Tradies urged to down tools, fire alarms set off as smoke haze engulfs city

While the rating improved marginally to “very poor” in the afternoon, it caused chaos for the Australian Open lead-in games with Maria Sharapova’s match suspended.

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 biggest names, who to watch, every club, tips from the stars and more — your glossy 68-page AFLW season preview is available from January 22 for $4.95 with your newspaper.

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.

Dan Hannebery works out inside at the Saints’ Moorabbin headquarters. Picture: Sarah Matray

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten had to revise training plans due to the fires. Picture: Sarah Matray.

Tim Membrey joins an indoor drill. Picture: Sarah Matray

New St Kilda assistant coach Jarryd Roughead. Picture: Sarah Matray

Originally published as AFL clubs set to come indoors to escape Melbourne’s choking smoke haze