CAPTAINS CONVERGE
AFL leaders on everything from flag winners to coronavirus
GEELONG midfielder Mitch Duncan says the Cats have talked about ways to help combat the threat of the coronavirus spreading.
The AFL is preparing to play games in front of empty stadiums due to the global outbreak, but Round 1 will go ahead as planned.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan revealed yesterday a working party had been set up to advise clubs and staff on the issue.
“It’s obviously getting a little bit more serious,” Duncan said yesterday.
“We are receiving good guidance from our club doctors about what we are doing and I’m sure every club have got stuff they’re doing as well.
“We have got to be really diligent with our hygiene, and that means washing hands, coughing into your elbow and, over time, we will hopefully see it disappear.”
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin says he would be happy to play parts of the season at empty stadiums rather than have games cancelled if the coronavirus crisis worsens.
As Fremantle player Sam Switkowski was yesterday cleared of COVID-19, club captains were forced to confront the worst-case scenario.
Switkowki, 23, was cleared yesterday but not before Dockers captain Nathan Fyfe had to seek approval from the AFL’s legal counsel Andrew Dillon to attend the captains’ day.
The Dockers utility had presented with flu-like symptoms and immediately been quarantined from his teammates.
But it emerged yesterday the friend he had been in contact with who had returned from China had been in Australia for a month and already self-isolated for 14 days.
Cotchin said he would be directed by the AFL as the Tigers put in place measures to lock down their football department from non-essential visitor groups.
Cotchin said he hoped he could play in front of TV audiences even if fans were locked out.
“It doesn’t take away from the fact that our fans still want to see the game they love and support the team they love and if that has to be on TV for a period of time then so be it,” he said.
“I am not saying it wouldn’t be different playing in front of no crowd but I am sure we will all find a way through it.”
Melbourne captain Max Gawn said he was happy to play in front of empty stadiums as the Demons prepared for blockbusters such as the Queens Birthday clash that could secure them $1 million in gate takings.
“If that’s what the experts say then that’s what’s going to happen,” Gawn said.
“There might not even be footy altogether as well. It’s on a bigger scale to what I’m talking about and what not.
“I still think it’s important to have it even with no crowds so the TV viewers are there, but that’s a little bigger than me as well.”
Hawthorn ball magnet Tom Mitchell said he had no issues playing in front of empty stadiums if fans were barred.
“I would play no matter what, I love playing footy. We love our fans and ideally we want them there, but if they aren’t there, it would not stop us,” Mitchell said.
And as for the on-field celebrations, he said players could swap the hugs and high-fives for other moves.
“Maybe fist bumps, or someone even mentioned elbow bumps,” he said.
Richmond yesterday joined GWS and restricted access to its football department to essential players and staff only.
Other clubs, including Geelong, Essendon, Melbourne, North Melbourne and St Kilda are taking all the necessary precautions as advised by the AFL and medical professionals.
"Extra precautions have been put in place around the football department to limit the number of visitors passing through that area," a Giants spokesman said.
Any players or staff experiencing flu-like symptoms must report feeling unwell to their club doctors for advice on next steps and necessary further testing.