Richmond premiership captain Trent Cotchin prepared to play in empty stadiums if coronavirus forces ban on public gatherings
Richmond has a membership of more than 100,000, yet could play in empty stadiums this season due to coronavirus. Tigers captain Trent Cotchin says players will have to adapt if fans are locked out of AFL matches.
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Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says he would be happy to play parts of the AFL season at empty stadiums rather than have games cancelled if the coronavirus crisis worsens.
As Fremantle player Sam Switkowski was cleared of COVID-19 on Tuesday, the AFL’s captains were forced to confront the worst-case scenario.
Switkowki, 23, was cleared on Tuesday afternoon, but not before club captain Nathan Fyfe had to seek approval from the AFL’s legal counsel Andrew Dillon to attend captains day.
The Dockers utility had presented with flu-like symptoms and immediately quarantined from his teammates.
But it emerged the friend he had been in contact with who had returned from China had been in Australia for a month and already self-isolated for 14 days.
Cotchin told the Herald Sun he would be directed by the AFL as the Tigers put in place measures to lock down their football department from non-essential visitor groups.
He said he hoped he could play in front of TV audiences even if fans were locked out.
“It doesn’t take away from the fact that our fans still want to see the game they love and support the team they love and if that has to be on TV for a period of time then so be it,” he said.
“I am not saying it wouldn’t be different playing in front of no crowd but I am sure we will all find a way through it.”
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Melbourne captain Max Gawn said he was happy to play in front of empty stadiums as the Demons prepare for blockbusters like the annual Queens Birthday clash that can secure them $1 million in gate takings.
“If that’s what the experts say then that’s what’s going to happen,” he said.
“There might not even be footy altogether as well. It’s on a bigger scale to what I’m talking about and what not.
“I still think it’s important to have it even with no crowds so the TV viewers are there, but that’s a little bigger than me as well.”
Gun Geelong midfielder Mitch Duncan said the Cats were talking about ways to help combat the threat of the virus spreading.
“It’s obviously getting a little bit more serious,” Duncan said.
“We are receiving good guidance from our club doctors about what we are doing and I’m sure every club have got stuff they’re doing as well.
“We have got to be really diligent with our hygiene, and that means washing hands, coughing into your elbow, and over time we will hopefully see it disappear.”
Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell said he had no issues playing in front of empty stadiums if fans were banned from entering.
“I would play no matter what, I love playing footy. We love our fans and ideally we want them there, but if they aren’t there, it would not stop us,” Mitchell said.
And as for the on-field celebrations, Mitchell said players could swap the hugs and high-fives for other moves.
“Maybe fist bumps, or someone even mentioned elbow bumps,” he said.
Richmond has joined GWS and restricted access to its football department to essential players and staff only.
Other clubs, including Geelong, Essendon, Melbourne, North Melbourne and St Kilda are taking all the necessary precautions as advised by the AFL and medical professionals.
"Extra precautions have been put in place around the football department to limit the number of visitors passing through that area," a Giants spokesman told the Herald Sun.
Any players or staff experiencing flu-like symptoms must report feeling unwell to their club doctors for advice on next steps and necessary further testing.
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