AFL protecting its players

FOUR AFL clubs took dramatic steps to separate their players from adoring fans at their season launches last night as the AFL world went into lockdown over coronavirus fears.

Western Bulldog players were banned from mingling with fans at Crown Palladium and the Dogs shut down preplanned TV interviews and cancelled in-function dining for its entire list.

Players were told to arrive 90 minutes after the function began and were whisked out after being presented with their jumpers on stage.

Collingwood and St Kilda also overhauled their functions as supporters who had travelled overseas recently or been feeling unwell were offered full refunds and told not to attend.

Brisbane Lions adopted a no-handshake policy at their launch last night and asked guests to wash their hands often, use tissues and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

Some stars were privately resigned to the fact they would soon be playing AFL games in front of empty stadiums.

“It’s something you don’t wish for. Our game is special for attendance and us drawing big crowds,” said Richmond premiership defender Bachar Houli, who was yesterday announced as an AFL multicultural ambassador.

“We trust the AFL will make the right decisions and best decisions.”

Every club has this week formed a coronavirus working party, which must meet daily to help combat the threat of losing players to the rapidly spreading virus.

Should one of the 815 players contract coronavirus the entire league would be thrown into turmoil as all teammates would be forced into a 14-day quarantine period in isolation.

Clubs were yesterday considering a raft of AFL-backed initiatives, including sterilising all gym and football equipment after every session.