AFL explains Melbourne Brownlow gathering after Grand Final BBQ ban

Hours after Melburnians were threatened with fines for hosting Grand Final day BBQs, a group of AFL players gathered to watch the Brownlow. Now the league has explained how it dodged Victoria’s harsh lockdown laws.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Jack Gunston of the Hawks has his temperature checked before the 2020 Brownlow Medal Count at NEP Studios Southbank on October 18, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The AFL has explained how players were able to gather in Melbourne for the Brownlow Medal telecast after a flood of frustrated footy fans questioned the move.

Just hours after Premier Daniel Andrews told Melburnians they must watch the Grand Final at home, fifteen players gathered to watch the count at a South Melbourne studio.

The players arrived solo and were temperature checked on arrival at NEP Studios, which has been functioning as a COVID safe venue for Ch7’s footy coverage through the season.

“A COVID safe plan was developed in conjunction with the state government and was approved,’’ an AFL spokesperson said.

Max Gawn of the Demons looks on during the 2020 Brownlow Medal Count in Melbourne. Picture: Getty

Shaun Higgins at NEP Studios. Picture: Getty

Andrew McGrath of the Bombers, Josh Daicos of the Magpies and Darcy Parish of the Bombers at NEP Studios, Southbank on Sunday night. Picture: Getty

Jack Gunston has his temperature checked before the Brownlow event at NEP Studios, Southbank. Picture: Getty

“It abided by all the current regulations in regards to masks, social distancing and only having a small amount of players attend. There was no food or beverage served.”

Hawk Jack Gunston, who attended in Melbourne, said it was a pretty sad atmosphere.

“It was very different,’’ he said.

“I thought they did it well, I’m sure it looked good on TV but in the studio is was a bit dismal. There was no hospitality, we were sitting there in masks, unfortunately that’s all they could do.

“We could talk between the ad breaks but it was a different way to do the Brownlow – very 2020.”

Mr Andrews warned Melburnians against hosting illegal premiership parties, saying police would be out in force.

“Your household and only the members of your household — that is how Grand Final day has to be,” Mr Andrews said on Sunday.

“You can’t have friends over into your home.”

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