NSW-based clubs want AFL to base quarantine hub in Sydney

While Melbourne appears to be the preferred quarantine hub for all 18 AFL teams to return to footy, Sydney-based clubs have hit back, saying hotter climates would help contain coronavirus and aid the mental health of players during downtime.

Both Sydney clubs face away fixtures for every game this season if the hub is based in Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney’s warm weather and Olympic Park precinct have been backed as an ideal AFL hub as some clubs opposed Victoria housing the entire football world.

Greater Western Sydney boss Dave Matthews said it was nonsensical to base 18 clubs in Melbourne during its chilly winter.

“We’re not a supporter of 18 clubs in Melbourne,” Matthews told the Herald Sun yesterday.

“The weather in NSW and Queensland means (hubs) are absolutely on the agenda.”

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Both Sydney clubs face away fixtures for every game this season if the hub is based in Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Matthews said hotter climates would help both contain the virus and aid the mental health of players during downtime.

“That’s what (Sydney Olympic Park) was built for with the proximity to all sorts of things, whether it be golf courses or swimming pools or the opportunity to get outdoors.

“That’s a significant thing in the depths of winter.”

The Swans and Giants are united in their push to stay home when the season resumes.

“The infrastructure is there,” Matthews said.

“That includes Blacktown, Giants Stadium and the SCG. You meet all the broadcast requirements, you meet lighting, you meet surface and there’s over 1000 hotel rooms within walking distance to Giants stadium.”

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said Sydney could house up to nine AFL clubs, but expected Victoria to win a hub.

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham says Sydney could host up to nine AFL clubs. Picture: Getty Images

GWS boss David Matthews believes warmer Sydney temperatures would make it easier to contain the coronavirus threat. Picture: AFL Photos/Getty Images

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“Let’s say we go to Melbourne for the whole season, we’d presumably be playing Victorian clubs on their home ground every week,” Pridham told the Herald Sun.

“That doesn’t sit comfortably … but a lot of things about COVID-19 don’t make you feel comfortable.

“I’m not suggesting for a second that’s the primary issue. It’s just a consideration that needs to be factored in.”

The NRL wants clubs to return to training on May 4 in NSW with government approval, which is earlier than the rest of the country.

Pridham was unsure whether the Swans would look to return then.

“If we started training a week before … well, the Grand Final is played at the MCG for the next 600 years and we have to travel every second week. Give me a break,” he said.

Importantly, NSW and Victoria’s borders are – unlike other states – unlocked and unrestricted.

“That’s a really significant consideration for the AFL,” Matthews said.

Under the Victorian hub model the AFL could utilise accomodation in wine regions Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Macedon Ranges as well as the Surf Coast.

Originally published as NSW-based clubs want AFL to base quarantine hub in Sydney