Cost cuts, virus tests underpin AFL’s plan

THE AFL has ordered every listed player and staff member to be tested for COVID-19 by Friday before clubs potentially return to full contact training with complete squads next week.

The mandatory tests are to be completed as part of the AFL’s return-to-play plan, which is still being finalised.

An official announcement on the season restart will not be made until at least today as league officials continue negotiations over training protocols with state governments.

In a note sent to all clubs yesterday detailing coronavirus testing requirements, the AFL also told clubs they must reduce football department spending by 40 per cent as part of drastic cost-cutting measures deemed necessary for the competition’s survival.

Football department staff numbers will be capped at 24 and must include a doctor, player development manager and psychologist.

“We must take a prudent approach to football department expenditure, which recognises that a significant level of industry revenue has already been lost and there is further material risk to our financial position both this season and in future years,” AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said.

As part of strict return-toplay rules, players have been banned from featuring in affiliated second-tier competitions.

The AFL is considering allowing players who aren’t selected for regular matches to play in games against other AFL clubs in a controlled environment.