Footy players to invoice AFL while away at interstate hubs
With AFL stars set to remain at interstate for at least 10 weeks, the league is considering picking up the bill for some interesting costs players may incur while away. Here’s what’s set to be included.
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AFL players will be able to apply to the league to have “unavoidable costs’’ such as pets being looked after paid while they are based in Queensland for the rest of the season.
With footy stars from around Australia moving to the sunshine state for the next 10 weeks, the AFL will consider footing the bill for some expenses players incur at home while they are away.
Players forced to leave dogs and cats behind will be able to apply to the AFL to reimburse the cost of putting them in kennels.
The Herald Sun understands some players plan to apply for AFL funding for house sitters while they are interstate.
Home security costs may also be considered, with full details of the scheme and its criteria being thrashed out by the AFL and AFL Player’s Association.
AFL spokesman Jay Allen said players based interstate would be able to apply to the league for potential reimbursement.
“The AFL is working with the AFLPA and clubs to assist any players on a case-by-case basis who may have circumstances or some costs that are unavoidable during their extended time interstate,’’ he said.
“We appreciate the sacrifice that many across the competition are making to ensure the season continues.”
The AFL has confirmed keeping the season running outside its Victorian heartland is costing about $3 million a week.
The AFL is also paying for players and family to stay in interstate hotels and meals while they live away from home.
Sports Minister Martin Pakula this week said he hoped the AFL Grand Final would remain in Melbourne, where it is contracted to the MCG until at least 2057.
But if the COVID-19 crisis continues and Victoria remains in lockdown, more games could be played outside Melbourne and players kept interstate in the post season
The Grand Final could move from Victoria for the first time with Queensland, NSW and South Australian Governments interested.
Victorian players moved to hubs in NSW, Queensland and Perth before the state was placed back into stage three lockdown because of coronavirus this month.
All teams will move to Queensland for the rest of the home and away season.
Top up players and families choosing to the interstate AFL hub will move from Victoria to Queensland shortly.
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