Amazon received unrivalled access for Round 1 to make documentary, rolling footy news from across Australia for Tuesday, March 24, 2020
While reporters and TV broadcasters faced restrictions in the opening round, another member of the media landscape enjoyed unrivalled access. As they say - money talks.
The suspension of the AFL season may have saved the league from a good old barney with its media partners.
As was flagged last month global streaming giant Amazon has moved into the AFL landscape to film a series of documentaries.
They reportedly paid $10 million to Collingwood president Eddie McGuire's media company, JAM TV, to produce the project which would involve in-depth interviews across the course of a season with key players and officials at selected clubs.
Amazon initially shot for the stars with Sydney superstar Lance Franklin and Geelong's Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield at the top of their wish list.
Relive classic AFL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
But after even Eddie's own team said no, the list of interested clubs quickly shrunk with the end result being six agreeing to be involved.
Gold Coast's No.1 pick Matt Rowell was targeted but declined with coach Stuart Dew his replacement. GWS Giants captain Stephen Coniglio signed up along with West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui and Carlton cult hero Eddie Betts.
Richmond president Peggy O'Neal was the first off-field figure to commit while Adelaide were last to the party with CEO Andrew Fagan putting his hand up.
So when the coronavirus pandemic hit and strict restrictions were placed on people being allowed into the changerooms before or after games, it was assumed the Amazon project was in a world of pain.
MORE AFL NEWS:
Geelong coach Chris Scott to take 100 per cent pay cut during coronavirus crisis
Why the AFL is frustrated with its players over 50 per cent pay cut offer
Robert Shaw says AFL’s most critical task is to guarantee the future of all 18 clubs
But as they say money talks.
While no print or radio reporters were allowed in and even some tightening of the rules for its host broadcasters, we hear the Amazon film crews enjoyed unrivalled access in the opening round.
The league had written to its key stakeholders to outline specifically who was allowed in the rooms and who wasn't.In its media policy, the league states it reserves the right to “amend the interim policy as required.”
Clearly, that's now known as the Amazon amendment.