AFL 2020: Eddie McGuire wants people who break quarantine sent home

Eddie McGuire has called on anyone in AFL hubs who breaks quarantine rules to be sent home as stars’ families come under scrutiny.

Eddie McGuire and Matthew Lloyd. Picture: Channel 9

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has urged the AFL to get tougher on people who breach COVID-19 restrictions as the season remains on a knife’s edge.

His plea comes after three clubs, North Melbourne, Carlton and Richmond, face penalties because players’ family members allegedly broke quarantine rules while in their Queensland hubs.

McGuire has been vocal in demanding harsh penalties for those who put the season in danger by not following the rules and he doubled down on the Triple M Hot Breakfast this morning.

“Let’s be honest, I think what needs to happen … do you think the AFL will just come out and say, ‘Right, here’s what it is and if you do this you’re all clear and if you do that you’re in big trouble and if anybody transgresses you’re on the plane home, we’re not gonna cop this stuff’,” McGuire said.

“I think that’s where it’s got to be, it’s just got to be so clear cut that no one can have any mitigation.

“Every time somebody does something in this country … ‘I thought I could do this, I thought I could do that’, well you can’t, bang.”

There were reports partners of Kangaroos players attended North Melbourne’s game against Carlton without permission, while the wife of a Richmond star posted on social media about her trip to a day spa, which is not allowed.

The AFL is paying for players’ families to join them in their hubs but stressed it could not provide a “family holiday experience with the ability to move freely in the community” or “an environment that replicates your normal home living arrangements”.

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Gillon McLachlan is desperately trying to keep the season alive.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan recently had to tell club bosses it was each team’s responsibility to make sure everyone inside their bubble followed the rules, as stories of family members pushing the boundaries emerged.

Earlier this week veteran footy journalist Caroline Wilson took a swipe at stars’ partners for putting the season in jeopardy.

“There is a growing concern emerging at the northern hubs — dare we say it, even suggestions of some bad behaviour,” Wilson said on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“Some of the partners and families of AFL players are emerging from quarantine and trying to live their AFL-sponsored Queensland lives in a manner which could place the entire season at risk.

“May we remind you of the enormous leap of faith the Queensland government has shown by letting so many Victorians into the state as a humanitarian move to help the AFL.

“You can do a lot more now than we can do in Victoria. It is a privilege you are there, not a right.

“It might be tough for you up there (in Queensland), but it’s a lot tougher down here (in Victoria).

“If people break the rules or do stupid things, they could put the whole season in danger.”