AFL tells its clubs to be prepared for fixture changes and more state lockdowns

Gold Coast’s interstate stay in South Australia may be extended after a male entertainer recorded the glitter strip’s first COVID case in nearly a year.

Gold Coast Suns players have arrived in Adelaide after their win over North Melbourne. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

The AFL has told clubs to be prepared for fixture changes and more state lockdowns, with Gold Coast’s Round 4 home clash against Carlton the latest contest up in the air.

AFL football boss Steve Hocking told the 18 general managers of football in a phone hook-up that they needed to prepare for more upheaval during this year’s COVID pandemic.

Gold Coast flew out to Adelaide today on a chartered flight after a 33-man touring party tested negative for COVID and could be away for the foreseeable future.

The first positive COVID test in Gold Coast for 11 months – after a male “entertainer” at a Byron Bay Hen’s party returned to the city – means the Suns are no guarantee to return quickly.

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Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew arrives in Adelaide.

Brandon Ellis and a Suns staff member leave the airport.

Gold Coast players were required to wear masks during their flight.

Queensland recorded eight new COVID positives on Tuesday, a day into Greater Brisbane’s three-day lockdown.

Gold Coast football boss Jon Haines and chief executive Mark Evans conceded the club was uncertain if it would return in time for the Round 4 Metricon Stadium clash.

But the Suns and Blues play a second time this year – at Marvel Stadium in Round 22 – so in the event of a cluster on the Gold Coast could flip their Metricon and Melbourne games.

The league is only assessing the Queensland COVID numbers but it is conceivable the Blues could host Gold Coast in Round 4 at Marvel Stadium then play them at Metricon in Round 22.

Under that scenario the Blues would play their first 10 games of the season in Melbourne and only travel interstate to face Sydney in Round 11.

Gold Coast football manager Jon Haines says the team is prepared for an extended stay away from home, if necessary. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Haines said the Suns arrived in Adelaide the Suns were prepared to be on the road for some time.

“We flagged publicly and certainly internally during pre-season that we felt that at some point COVID would impact the AFL season,” he said.

“We have some lessons learnt from the AFLW and how they handled that and we have taken those lessons and are open minded to whatever the options may be.

“Initially our focus is on Friday, but if it means we are here for a period of time we are excited by that and looking forward to that.”

“Our focus is on Friday night, but we are open minded to what it looks like after that.

“If it means we have to stay here for a couple more weeks to play multiple games we are open to that. If it means we go home then, we will accept that challenge as well.”

Hocking told clubs they should continue to care for each other and support each other despite their on field enmity.

The Lions were hosted by Richmond at their Punt Road home as they trained on Tuesday ahead of their clash against Collingwood, now moved to Marvel Stadium.

Clubs were also told they should ensure they have weights and fitness equipment in the homes of players in case of a snap lockdown.

Sydney was on Tuesday given permission by the NSW state government to train ahead of their clash against Richmond at the MCG despite being in the Brisbane hot spot on March 20 playing the Lions.

Carlton could be in Melbourne for the opening 10 games of the season. Picture: Getty Images

NSW health guidelines stated that anyone in Brisbane from March 20 should adhere to the three-day lockdown but the Swans were given permission to train.

Brisbane will remain in Melbourne until after their Round 4 clash with the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat.

The league is hopeful that decision has given them an extra 12 days to assess the COVID landscape in Queensland.

If the current cluster is in check by Round 3 the Lions will return to play Essendon at the Gabba in Round 5.

But the league’s first significant fixture challenge will occur if the cluster is still growing given the Lions would need to remain in Melbourne.

So far the league’s ability to flip games means teams will still play 11 home games.

But with COVID repeatedly escaping from hotel quarantine the league is fully aware playing through a pandemic will create extraordinary challenges that mean the fixture could be tipped on its head.

Originally published as AFL tells its clubs to be prepared for fixture changes and more state lockdowns