Australia reacts to AFL’s historic decision to postpone 2020 premiership

Two World Wars couldn’t stop the VFL, but the ongoing global health crisis eventually forced the AFL premiership to shut down after days of speculation.

The coronavirus outbreak has toppled yet another domino in the global sporting community after AFL CEO Gallon McLachlan confirmed the 2020 premiership will be postponed until late May.

Two World Wars couldn’t stop the VFL, but a global health crisis has officially left the 2020 Australian rules football season in lockdown.

Through tired eyes, McLachlan claimed the game was facing “the biggest financial crisis in AFL history”.

“To say that this is the most serious threat to our game in 100 years is an understatement. It is unprecedented in its impact,” McLachlan told reporters on Sunday.

“Many people will suffer significant hardship as are people right across our community.

“There’s no winners today.”

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan

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There have been calls for the AFL season to be shut down for several days. As the teams competed in empty stadiums, viewers from home questioned for what purpose the premiership was going ahead, other than financial security.

However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement that non-essential travel had been cancelled – combined with South Australia revealing their borders would shut on Tuesday – proved the catalyst for the AFL to finally take action.

ABC journalist Penny Timms praised McLachlan on his calming presence during what has undoubtedly been stressful period.

“It was so nice to see Gillon speaking in such a calm and real way,” Tims tweeted. “Speaking about the sporting, economic, and human impact of the pandemic. Bravo.”

Television personality David Campbell tweeted: “Good decision by the AFL. The season will be over I reckon, but the players won’t be at risk.”

The Australian reporter Peter Lalor posted to Twitter: “Nice try by the AFL. I don’t think they should have done it but they did and they have accepted the reality. What an awful time.”

Very happy to see the afl has been shut down. Glad the pandemic has a silver lining.

— dan nolan (@dannolan) March 22, 2020

“DISTRACTIONS RIGHT NOW ARE DEADLY”

BBC broadcaster Chris Mitchell argued the AFL was undeniably a “lovely distraction” from the coronavirus epidemic, but administrators needed to set a precedent for the Australian public, especially those who ignore the self-isolation recommendations.

“Australians will listen more to the AFL than to ScoMo,” Mitchell tweeted. “That’s why it must stop now.”

“It’s horrible because it was a lovely distraction, but distractions right now are deadly.”

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson agreed: “I’m not sure we’re taking social isolation as seriously as we need to.”

Australian soccer legend Tim Cahill also posted to Twitter: “Great leadership shown by AFL with stopping all competition and putting health first. Now all the other sporting codes in Australia must follow asap.”

The cancellation of the AFL surely makes australia take this seriously. I can’t think of anything else that would get the message through more. Stay the fuck at home.

— MGH (@MichelleGHunder) March 22, 2020

.@AFL McLachlan: “Things have become real in the last few hours”.

It’s hard to fathom what’s going on, and I don’t think the message has really sunk in Australia. But everyone that’s been following events develop in Italy, Spain, UK, etc has the same msg to Aussies: STAY HOME.

— Laurie Lawira (@LaurieLawira) March 22, 2020

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“GREED KILLED THEIR BRAND”

However, some critics were not convinced the AFL had acted quickly enough – media adviser Jim Stewart tweeted, “Even if the AFL industry survives I’ll never watch another game again.

“The selfishness and disregard for the lives of the greater community at large is reprehensible. Their greed just killed their brand and who knows what else.”

Other AFL fans were just upset there would be no football on television for two months.

Watching this AFL press conference in tears. Not because footy is more important than any other industry or more important than protecting life but because the grief for the losses we face as a community just hit me with full force. Everything has changed.💔

— Jill Stark (@jillastark) March 22, 2020

We've lost Australian sports tonight. Guess it's time to get into esports. #AFL

— Travis Leder (@travisleder) March 22, 2020

Now the AFL. What a weekend. It all reminds me of Hemingway said about how you go bankrupt. "Gradually, then suddenly"

— Mark Scott (@mscott) March 22, 2020

Herald Sun journalist Mark Robinson was “stunned” by the announcement, labelling it the “biggest single event in football’s lifetime”.

“It’s stuff of horrible fantasies. I don’t think Gill could quite believe what he was saying today,” Robinson said on Fox Footy.

“He’s fighting for football – he’s fighting for the people who work in football, which extends to thousands upon thousands of people within the community.

“I’m actually quite stunned, but I’m not sad, because the events of the last 36 hours had made me realise football’s important, but it’s not the most important thing.”

AFL PLAYERS REACT

McLachlan announced the competition’s postponement part-way through the Hawthorn vs Brisbane clash at the MCG.

Fox Footy reporter Tom Morris confirmed both sides decided not to tell their troops of the pending league shutdown at halftime. Therefore, Hawthorn and Brisbane played the third quarter unaware it would be their last match for at least two months.

After Sunday’s bombshell announcement, GWS Giants star Phil Davis tweeted, “I need a hobby now!”

Collingwood player Mason Cox simply advised everyone to “stay safe”.

Well it was fun while it lasted. Hope y'all enjoyed the players getting out there this week. Everyone stay safe and hopefully we can kick off the restart of the season with a massive game between @CollingwoodFC and @Richmond_FC

— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) March 22, 2020

Absolutely shattering.. the only thing I know right now that will get people excited is the #MAFS finale is on tonight..

— Jack Crisp (@jmancrisp) March 22, 2020

AFLW’S UNDERWHELMING CONCLUSION

The AFLW has considerably grown in popularity this year, and Sunday’s announcement gave the 2020 premiership a horrifically underwhelming conclusion.

With semi-finals scheduled for next weekend, McLachlan confirmed the AFLW season had been cancelled, and no team would be awarded the premiership.

Fremantle player Ebony Antonio was seemingly unhappy with the decision, blunting tweeting, “No leadership” after Sunday’s press conference.

The decision to cancel the #AFLW season is a strange one given officials will still look resume to the #AFL season at a later date. Feel for the players and staff involved in the finals series. https://t.co/DzKGXItFIO

— Caden Helmers (@cadenhelmers) March 22, 2020

Former AFLW player Meg Hutchins argued on Twitter the Grand Final should have taken place on Saturday.

“Don’t get me wrong – my heart breaks for all of the AFLW players, and for all of their hard work and sacrifices going unrewarded,” Hutchins tweeted on Sunday.

“I’m sorry if my opinion upset anyone. But it was only my opinion and not a reflection on whether you deserved a shot at the premiership or not.”

However, Carlton player Katie Lyons disagreed, claiming the AFL “got it right” by abandoning the remaining fixtures.

Feel so sad for the @freodockersAFLW . You in my eyes are the Premiers for 2020 .

What a season , Undefeated and such a joy to watch @AFL #afl360

2021 !!!! It’s your year pic.twitter.com/93hJmT0TPR

— Ivo da Silva (@Freoboy79) March 22, 2020

Channel 7 presenter Andy Maher tweeted, “This afternoon’s news will hit the teams remaining in the AFLW season like a sledgehammer. The final four shaped as terrific contests. A broad perspective now needed, however. So proud of all involved.

“One final thought – given the men’s comp is on hold, why not the women’s comp too? Only three games left. They observe the same protocols moving forward as the men. Give them a fortnight’s notice before resumption. Play the season out. Why not?”