All Suns want to play on

GOLD Coast players have expressed their desire to play in Round 1 as the AFL attempts to navigate through the coronavirus pandemic while pushing on with the season.

Suns football department staff met players to discuss the threat of the virus before a phone hook-up with the AFL on Monday night to canvass their opinions and address concerns any had.

No Suns player has shown symptoms of COVID-19 and none has been tested.

Gold Coast football manager Jon Haines said no player had told them they were worried about playing against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

“Our sense of the playing group, particularly now on the back of a long pre-season, is they want to play,” Haines said.

“We have been really clear around educating them on what the virus is and what it isn’t and what the risks are and how they can keep themselves healthy.

“They are well educated and well informed. They are in as good an environment as they could possibly be. Our sense is they can’t wait to play.”

The Suns’ will to play reflects those from across the league, with 88 per cent in support of going ahead with the season. The competition is scheduled to start tomorrow night with the clash between Richmond and Carlton at the MCG without spectators.

As it stands, the AFL has committed to playing out a 17game season while a mandatory 14-day league shutdown will occur should a player test positive to the virus.

Playing multiple games a week and extending the season beyond September are among a range of ideas being looked at by the AFL.

The Gold Coast club has separated sections of its staff.

The AFL men’s program and football department oc- cupy the Carrara training and administration facility.

The AFLW players and staff, along with academy players, are at Metricon Stadium. Administration staff are also at the stadium.

“Like all clubs, the Suns are making necessary changes to manage the spread of coronavirus and ensure the health and safety of the Gold Coast community, our people and 82 male and female players,” Suns CEO Mark Evans said in a statement to media and fans.

“This is clearly a less than ideal start to the AFL season so I want to thank our members, supporters and partners for your understanding as we work through this unique situation.”