The MCG is gaining support as a potential quarantine hub as several hubs could be introduced in Victoria
The MCC and the Sports Minister are absolutely open to the idea of hub at the MCG. And talks are set to progress about possibly being used as a hub to house teams under strict guidelines, reports Mark Robinson.
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An MCG hub, which was dismissed a month ago, is gaining momentum as football inches closer to a return.
The MCC and the State Government have held talks with the AFL about the use of the MCG for games.
Talks will also progress about the precinct possibly being used as a hub to house teams under strict quarantine guidelines.
The two bodies — the MCC and the government — want games to be played in Victoria as soon as it is possible and have thrown support behind the MCG hub idea.
If the AFL and medical experts believe it is a safe option, Victoria’s 10 teams and club officials could be accommodated within the MCG precinct — at the Pullman (490 rooms) and Mantra on Jolimont (130 rooms).
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It’s possible several hubs could be introduced in Melbourne and also one in Geelong.
Other hub options include groups of teams — possibly four and as many as six — being stationed in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland for a month at a time.
It’s understood Tasmania, initially suggested as an option, is losing support.
The AFL has yet to announce its intentions about how and where the season could start, but the hub concept received a significant tick from the players.
It’s understood the MCC and the AFL have canvassed the possibility of playing five or six games a week at the MCG.
The same number of games per week could be played at the AFL-owned Marvel Stadium.
Victorian sports minister Martin Pakula said he expected games to be played in Victoria from the outset when the season returned.
“Footy won’t start till it gets the green light from medical experts, but when that time comes we’d expect to see plenty of games played in Victoria, the spiritual home of football,” Pakula said.
“Footy might need to get underway with some form of hub system, and whether it’s the MCG precinct, Marvel Stadium and surround or indeed Geelong, we’ve got plenty of options that we can work on with the AFL.”
MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said the MCG was “open for business’’.
“The MCG is laying dormant,’’ he said.
“We obviously want some form of sport to return and we’re just as conscious about cricket as we are about football returning in a safe manner for everyone.
“The MCG, in particular the MCC, we don’t control how football comes to us and how it’s delivered, the AFL will determine that.
“Whether that’s via a hub scenario or straight games, we’re here to support the direction the AFL wants to take.
“The benefits of sport returning to the community, even without crowds, is going to be huge, particularly at the ’G.”
First raised in the Herald Sun on April 7, the MCG precinct offers a wide range of facilities.
Teams staying at the Pullman or the Mantra on Jolimont could train at Collingwood’s facility on Olympic Boulevard, Richmond’s Punt Rd oval or at Gosch’s paddock.
Importantly, Collingwood and Richmond have recovery and medical facilities.
Dining rooms at the MCG could also be converted into gymnasiums and physio and medical rooms.
Even the Rod Laver Arena facilities could also be utilised.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said on Fox Footy Live on Saturday that Victoria was a viable option to house teams.
“Victoria has extraordinary proximate facilities, so there are obviously opportunities, like there are in every state to various levels,” McLachlan said.
“You clearly need venues, options with centralised accommodation, you need training facilities, you need medical facilities and they’re all being assessed.’’
States with two AFL standard grounds, such as Optus Stadium and the WACA in Perth and the Gabba and Metricon stadiums in Queensland, appear to be logical destinations for competition.
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