AFL training set to resume ahead of a mid-June restart

Players will return to training at their clubs as early as Monday, keeping the AFL on track for a hoped-for mid-June relaunch.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker is tested for COVID-19 as the AFL prepares to restart training. Picture: Instagram

Australian rules footballers will return to training at their clubs as early as Monday, keeping the AFL on track for a hoped-for season relaunch in mid-June.

Despite ongoing concerns that non-Victorian clubs could be disadvantaged by the scheduling of the condensed season, the AFL is still gunning for a June 11 restart.

A leading club president told The Australian the complexity of the COVID-19 restrict­ions provided a “gazillion challen­g­es” for the AFL to overcome.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan called Victorian clubs “pampered” after it became apparent that his preferred option of relocating the competition to Perth was not being seriously considered.

Victorian Sports Minister Martin Pakula returned fire, noting there was a significant difference in the cost of redeploying four clubs compared with 10.

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch is aggrieved the Power will be “severely disadvantaged” in their premiership quest. Rival clubs are also privately furious with the Adelaide Crows for the breach of guidelines in the Barossa Valley by the club’s players who were in isol­ation after returning to the state.

While South Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Nicola Spurrier, said that misstep played no part in the state’s strict quarantine stance this week, Port Adelaide football manager Chris Davies said the potential implication­s were difficult to ignore.

“I don’t think that even the staunchest Crows supporter would believe that it’s had a posit­ive impact. Mistakes happen. The decision (has) been made,” he said.

The Crows and the Power are preparing to relocate to the Gold Coast to allow full contact training as a result of SA’s strict border stance. SA-based players have this week undergone mandatory COVID-19 tests ahead of any possible interstate relocation.

Mr McGowan announced on Thursday that the Eagles and Dockers would be able to train with full contact by May 25. This gives them a reprieve from immediate relocat­ion­ to the east coast, as they will potentially be able to train at home for at least a fortnight before moving away for matches.

SA will not allow contact training until June 8, which effectively forces the hand of the Crows and the Power.

Among the dozens of models the AFL has investigated is one that would see clubs playing up to seven matches over a five-week period while based in a hub, before returning home.

It is hoped that by mid-July, border restrictions will have eased enough for charter flights to be used to finish the season.