AFL shutdown: How your club is handling the suspended season
Some players were jetted to their home states - or even their home country - while others have taken football club supplies with them. Check out how your club is dealing with the suspended season.
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Players are temporarily off duty for their clubs due to the preventative coronavirus measures put in place by the AFL.
With the competition and training shutdown, some players have returned to their home state - or even their home country - while others have taken home football club supplies with them.
Check out how your club is handling the suspended season.
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ESSENDON
Homesick Conor McKenna is set to head back to Ireland. The dashing defender, who missed most of the pre-season because he stayed at home with his family, was scheduled to catch an overnight plane back to Ireland. He only returned a month ago and played in the Bombers final pre-season hit-out but wasn’t selected for the season-opener against Fremantle.
CARLTON
The Blues are supporting players should they wish to return home interstate to be with their families, while heeding advice from the government in relation to social distancing measures.
Players will also continue to train on tailored programs.
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Kangaroos censured two players, Nick Larkey and Cameron Zurhaar, for hosting a noisy gathering at their Kensington home on Sunday night, which was in breach of the social distancing guidelines. All interstate players were permitted to fly home.
MELBOURNE
Top draftees Kysaiah Pickett and Luke Jackson remained in Perth to stay with family after the Round 1 loss to West Coast. The club is in talks with staff about taking their annual leave and unpaid leave throughout the break.
HAWTHORN
Told players to prioritise their own safety and their family’s safety throughout the break after a first-round win over Brisbane Lions. Club doctor Michael Makdissi will continue to be available to the players.
GEELONG
The players collected boots, footballs and equipment from the club and were addressed by the coaching staff for the final time yesterday. They have each been given a training program to follow and been advised of the local medical clinic which will cater for their needs if required.
RICHMOND
Senior officials were still meeting late yesterday afternoon on how to handle the shutdown. But Tiger captain posted a message to club fans on Instagram, saying: “Obviously we want to get our game up and going again as soon as possible as it brings so much joy to people’s lives and we love playing it, but right now there are bigger and more important things to focus on ... Take care and we look forward to seeing you when we next get an opportunity to.”
ST KILDA
Four interstate players yesterday jetted home to be with their families. All players were given training packs to take home and have been provided with access to health and well-being support. Staff were informed yesterday that a skeleton staff would guide the club through the coronavirus crisis, as the Saints look to preserve the club for the thousands it represents. That has meant the majority of employees – both in the football department and general administration – have been stood down.
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COLLINGWOOD
Last night Collingwood was yet to detail its position to club staff, with meetings still ongoing. That will occur today, including what support packages will be offered as the Magpies face the inevitability that the majority of its workers will be stood down.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Players have been given one month off and yesterday received individual training programs to complete at home. Interstate players – there are 12 non-Victorians at Whitten Oval – have been granted the opportunity to fly home during the break. Football department staff were told yesterday there was a reduced capacity for those working through the delay of the season. The Dogs were last night working through a range of measures to cut costs, which included reviewing staffing requirements.