Positive coronavirus test would halt AFL for 30 days

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says that should a footballer from any club test positive to the viral illness, the competition would be suspended for 30 days.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan. Picture: AAP

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan announced on Friday that should a footballer from any club test positive to the viral illness, the competition would be suspended for 30 days.

This is a significant increase from the initial period of a fortnight announced on Monday as the competition declared the season would be abridged to 17 rounds.

A nationwide teleconference between the AFL and chief executives of all 18 clubs took place on Friday afternoon as the code grappled with the dire economic outlook, with significant cost-cutting measures that will affect the livelihood of league staff members already under way.

The teleconference preceded the clash between Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday, played outdoors to comply with the latest federal government regulations regarding people gathering in confined spaces.

It was the second match of the shortened 153-match season and it is clear that the more matches that are played, the better the bottom line will be for the code amid a warning that up to 17 clubs could be significantly in the red by the end of 2020.

Collingwood chief executive Eddie McGuire said discussions were ongoing with governments with a view to a possible credit line for the AFL, warning of a “fin­ancial Armageddon”.

The Weekend Australian understands not all clubs agree with the decision to press governments at a time when the country is in financial peril. Mr McLachlan refused to divulge details of discussions related to the survival plan.