Gold Coast Suns and Titans AFL and NRL clubs attempt to avoid coronavirus pandemic

The effects of coronavirus have started to impact Gold Coast’s AFL and NRL clubs. Read the measures both have put in place in a bid to prevent it from reaching their ranks here.

THE Suns have closed their headquarters from outsiders and suspended player appearances for the coming weeks as part of a raft of measures brought in to protect the club from coronavirus.

Gold Coast have set out a seven-step plan of prevention for it’s players and staff in the lead up to it’s Round 1 home game they believe will still go ahead against Port Adelaide on March 21.

It comes as NRL club Gold Coast Titans take a more relaxed approach, encouraging players and staff to be strict with hygiene while awaiting advice from the NRL when it comes to fixtures.

The Suns bid to keep the virus from affecting it’s 52-man list, football department and administration team includes:

– Players and staff have been told to place an increased focus on personal hygiene (ie. hand washing, covering mouth and nose when sneezing) and the club has increased the frequency of cleaning at it’s facilities.

Jack Bowes of the Suns during the AFL Marsh Community Series pre-season match between the Adelaide Crows and the Gold Coast Suns at Hickinbotham Oval in Adelaide, Friday, March 6, 2020. (AAP Image/Kelly Barnes)

– All staff have been encouraged to limit direct contact with players for the coming weeks.

– Player appearances have been suspended for the coming weeks.

– External visitation to the club’s AFL/AFLW football facility has been suspended for the coming weeks (and will be mostly suspended elsewhere at the club).

– Any players/staff feeling any effects of illness must self-isolate, work externally and return only after medical clearance.

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– Any staff returning from overseas travel must self-quarantine as per guidelines from Australian Government.

– Club has formed a working group of senior administration, football and medical staff to guide all decision making and we will continuing reviewing and monitoring all activities to limit the chance of players/staff contracting the virus.

Playing in front of empty stadiums has been a talking point for many codes but Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans said he still expected fans to be able to access Metricon Stadium in Round 1 at this stage.

“The AFL season is almost here and the Suns can’t wait to play Port Adelaide in Round 1 in front of a passionate home crowd at Metricon Stadium,” Evans said.

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“While it’s full steam ahead for our AFL and AFLW teams, the safety of our supporters, players and staff is paramount and we will continue to take advice from the experts.

“Currently, that advice is for people to focus on good personal hygiene and get checked if they have flu-like symptoms, but also to go about their normal work, personal lives or sporting routines.

“We will work through any issues as they arise but we expect to play our opening game on Saturday, March 21, and can’t wait to see our members and supporters there.”