Money key to where AFL coin lands with broadcasters and clubs battling coronavirus restrictions

AFL - Adelaide Crows v Sydney Swans at the Adelaide Oval. Taylor Walker goes between Callum Mills and Sam Naismith. Picture Sarah Reed

When following AFL logistics, the key is to follow the money, which will dictate just where the coin lands for the start of this season on June 11.

The AFL was set to unveil the opening schedule on Wednesday, but when South Australia baulked on player training, that delayed proceedings.

There are two money issues facing the AFL the first being the TV rights and following from that, how the clubs raise money.

All 18 AFL clubs gave the AFL the right to negotiate for them to settle TV rights, which are then distributed to the clubs.

The clubs get control of gate revenue, so the more people who come to the games the better it is for the clubs.

There won’t be any gate revenue this year so the clubs were told they would have to look after themselves for any incidentals after the TV rights are split.

This has caused some angst because the clubs figure the AFL should take on debt, not them.

That fight is for another day. Right now, it’s all about getting the season started with an announcement as soon as Thursday.

Assuming no change in government policy, it will involve the South Australian and West Australian teams moving interstate for at least the first month.

The latter will be on the Gold Coast and then clubs will travel to Queensland for games against Brisbane, Gold Coast, Fremantle and West Coast.

The Sydney teams will probably share transport, so a trip to Melbourne will see perhaps the Swans playing on the MCG and Greater Western Sydney at Marvel.

After four rounds, if the WA and South Australian governments change their minds and allow travel then it will be back to normal.

The broadcasters want certainty, which means definite slots so people know every Friday night there is a footy game.

The start of the season will have blockbusters to boost broadcast revenues, which is important for Seven.

Foxtel relies more on sponsorship deals so it might perhaps: Friday night footy brought to you by Harvey Norman.

The AFL season will have 17 rounds. The WA teams will probably be compensated by more home games at the latter half of the season, which will likely be played on more nights with Thursday a regular.

There are more logistics over training with WA and South Australia not allowing contact training, so if this remains, the clubs will have to move interstate earlier.

Outside the game, nobody is sure just how the game will sell. Will footy kit be as popular with supporters only watching on television? With no crowds, have people moved on and are sick of football?

That will be answered soon. GO SWANS