Turn the MCG into the Melbourne Quarantine Ground and house all 18 teams through the coronavirus crisis
The idea of three hubs has been proposed as a possible scenario when the season restarts. But Mark Robinson believes the MCG could become the Melbourne Quarantine Ground for all 18 clubs.
AFL
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The MCG — the best sporting precinct in the world — could be the solution to the greatest problem facing footy.
The problem? Where to house teams and play games once the season resumes.
The AFL is looking at a range of scenarios, not least being the introduction of three “hubs” to reignite the season.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the AFL was discussing Tasmania, Western Australia and South Australia as the places to house all 18 teams.
AFLNT has said Darwin could take six teams.
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Last week a club chief executive privately floated the possibility of having six teams in Darwin, six in Cairns and six on the Gold Coast, where the coronavirus numbers are not biting as hard.
Another solution, however, might be staring the AFL in the face — turn the Melbourne Cricket Ground into the Melbourne Quarantine Ground.
Instead of three hubs, all 18 teams could live, train and play in one — the MQG.
“It’s got some merit, absolutely it has,” a club chief said.
“Nothing is off the table, so a concept like this will be considered.”
All options would create a logistical nightmare, but the MQG has appeal.
Players, coaches and support staff could live at the Pullman Hotel on Wellington Pde, the Mantra on Jolimont on Brunton Ave, and the Sofitel on Collins.
From those three locations, players and staff could walk to the necessary venues safely and without public interaction.
Facilities would not be an issue.
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Matches would be played at the MCG and clubs could train at Richmond’s Punt Rd Oval, at Collingwood’s Holden Centre and at Gosch’s Paddock. Gyms, swimming pools and recovery facilities are in place at the precinct.
A schedule of training times could be drawn up and security employed to keep fans away from the training venues.
If needed, matches could also be played at Punt Rd and at Collingwood.
I wouldn’t rule out games being played at Marvel Stadium, either. Teams could be bussed there under the health and safety requirements.
Players could leave their rooms, get on a bus from their hotels, park underneath at Marvel Stadium and catch lifts to ground level.
Except for leaving to play at Marvel Stadium, players and staff would not be allowed to leave the quarantined area.
This concept would need the support of the AFL Players’ Association, but the players have declared they simply want to play games and have agreed to play into December if necessary.
Relocation away from families, especially for the non-Victorian players and staff, would be a sticking point. But these are extraordinary times.
Of course, nothing could be organised until the border restrictions were lifted by the state government.
In Eddie’s case, by SA, WA and Tasmanian authorities.
The players would be given a starting time for the season and would need to be here to isolate and complete their three-week pre-seasons.
Groups could consist of 30 players and a reduced number of coaches and support staff.
If injuries occurred, clubs could bring in fresh players.
How long players and staff would be required at the MQG could range from three to eight weeks.
“Logistically, it’s got some challenges, but where there’s a will, there’s a way,” the chief executive said.
The hub concept is attracting support.
Sydney coach John Longmire said his club was open to all possibilities.
“I know the NRL are talking about something similar — going into hubs and being open to having multiple games over short periods,” he said.
“We’re open to anything, really. We want to get the game going again.”
It wouldn’t be the first time the MCG precinct was requisitioned in a time of crisis.
From 1942 until 1945, it was occupied by the US Army Air Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force, the US Marine Corps and the RAAF.
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