AFL world goes into coronavirus lockdown

Four AFL clubs took dramatic steps to separate their players from fans at their season launches on Wednesday night as the AFL world went into lockdown over coronavirus fears.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan at the season launch on Tuesday night

Four AFL clubs took dramatic steps to separate their players from fans at their season launches on Wednesday night as the AFL world went into lockdown over coronavirus fears.

Western Bulldog players were banned from mingling with fans at Crown Palladium and the club shut down planned TV interviews. Players were told to arrive 90 minutes after the function began and were whisked out after being presented with their jumper on stage.

Collingwood and St Kilda also overhauled their functions as supporters who had travelled overseas recently or been feeling unwell were offered full refunds and told to not attend.

Brisbane Lions adopted a no-handshake policy at their launch and asked guests to wash their hands often, use tissues and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. Some stars were privately resigned to the fact they would soon be playing AFL games in front of empty stadiums.

Clubs are considering a raft of AFL-backed initiatives, including sterilising all of its gym and football equipment after every session.

Players are also being cautioned against socialising with friends and extended family members as part of measures to keep the AFL season alive. Clubs are also discussing separating their men’s and women’s teams.

With the opening game of the year between reigning premiers Richmond and Carlton a week away, the AFL’s 18-person competition committee met to discuss the season on Wednesday.

Revelations matches could be held without fans prompted warnings of dire financial consequences for clubs, with gate takings of up to $1 million for blockbusters at risk.

There are also questions regarding club memberships and whether those who have already paid up should receive compensation if fans are banned from attending matches. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan talked about the looming coronavirus crisis at the league’s season launch at the Melbourne Museum on Tuesday night.

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McLachlan outlined the reasons he felt the AFL was well-placed to survive a crisis, noting the league is profitable and made up of “increasingly profitable clubs”.

According to the league CEO, the purchase of Marvel Stadium had strengthened the league’s financial position, while its future fund investments would underpin the broader growth of the game at the elite and community levels.

“It has been an unprecedented summer. Both with the devastating bushfires and now more recently with the coronavirus alert. The Australian community has been tested,” he said.

“None of us can ever predict what happens in the future or what further challenges we will face. What we can say with great confidence is that I know the football community will continue to prepare together, work together and emerge stronger together no matter what. ’’

Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains said the current situation presented several challenges.

“It would be a significant financial impact for all clubs with respect to match returns in particular and, depending what happens down the track, there are questions around membership as well,” he told SEN. “It depends on the game and the attendance you draw for that particular game, but we’re expecting a full house next Friday against Collingwood. You’re talking several hundred thousand dollars at stake.”

AFL Fans Association Gerry Eamen said issuing refunds for memberships was worth exploring should fans be locked out of games.

“Club fans have already paid to attend games. Many fans have also pre-booked, especially for bigger matches like Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the G’,” he said.

In Perth, Fremantle’s Sam Switkowski returned to training on Wednesday after undergoing a test for the coronavirus.