SANFL boss Jake Parkinson praises clubs for joining forces in financial battle for survival amid the coronavirus pandemic

The SANFL clubs face a massive financial challenge because of the coronavirus, but they are unified in the fight to ensure their survival.

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SANFL chief executive Jake Parkinson has praised the unified approach of member clubs as they join forces to combat the financial crisis created by COVID-19.

Parkinson said it was the most unified he had seen the clubs in his six years in the role with the CEOs having a phone hook-up each day to discuss solutions.

And he backed the JobKeeper scheme to be introduced by the federal government as enormously important for the SANFL and its clubs.

Affected employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1500 for each eligible employee stood down in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and Parkinson said the payments would enable them to stay connected to football.

SANFL boss Jake Parkinson has praised the work of the league’s clubs throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: AAP/Mark Brake.

“The CEOs don’t have much support around them at the moment with a number of people stood down.” Parkinson said. “The phone hook-up is a really important time for us to think through all the implications, share ideas.

“We talk about what is working, what is not, and the clubs get updates from the SANFL in our efforts trying to shore up the organisation financially and how we can help them.

“They understand each club is as important as the other and it makes our work at the SANFL so much more positive. It brings better ideas because people have a more positive attitude.”

Parkinson also acknowledged the new partnership with insurer AAMI and said the sponsorship was unbelievably important” in the current climate.

Each league debutant will earn $500 for their community club, courtesy of AAMI.

“We have had fantastic support from all our sponsors even though they have been impacted by COVID-19.”

Originally published as SANFL boss Jake Parkinson praises clubs for joining forces in financial battle for survival amid the coronavirus pandemic