Cats try to stay focused as AFL, AFLW teams split up
GEELONG is preparing to play as normal despite segregating its male and female teams in the latest measure to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The club has made up a strict roster to ensure the AFL and AFLW teams do not cross paths at GMHBA Stadium during the day.
Geelong football manager
Simon Lloyd said players in both teams had been preparing for their respective matches against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
A decision on whether the AFL’s Round 1 and the AFLW’s Round 7 would go ahead this weekend was yet to be made as of last night.
Geelong will be guided by the AFL as it awaits instructions about proceeding with the season. “The challenge is you want to try and ensure that we’re focusing on being elite in our approach when it comes to the health and wellbeing of our players and staff,” Lloyd said.
“Our focus is on keeping players and staff on task and calm and safe. Their major focus at the moment is preparing for the next round until we hear otherwise.
“Everyone’s professional, but everyone will step outside of the club environment and have family that they are concerned about.
“We understand that first and foremost families are a priority, but we are trying to stay prepared and stay focused on playing a game of football.”
AFL and AFLW players will use the facilities at GMHBA Stadium as they prepare for the weekend. But they will be kept clear of each other, with a thorough cleaning process undertaken between sessions.
“We are working hard to make sure we minimise the risk to players and staff and have all the teams performing at their best,” Lloyd said.
“Both the AFL and AFLW programs will have clearly designated times in place that staff can access the club.
“We are looking at isolating both of those groups to keep them as healthy as possible.”