AFL locks in shorter schedule
League confirms 17-game fixture as coronavirus sweeps the globe
THURSDAY’S Carlton-Richmond season opener is in extreme peril as the AFL yesterday agreed to a historic 17-game schedule with a grand final that could be played close to Christmas.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan yesterday committed to 17 rounds to be played at some stage this year but everything else is up for grabs.
The AFL is aware senior players want to postpone the season, with McLachlan confirming yesterday the league would “down tools” with a single coronavirus positive.
It means the most likely outcome will be the league delaying the season until a possible June or July resumption after the rate of coronavirus transmission eased.
AFL star Scott Pendlebury is still awaiting a coronavirus diagnosis today despite reports he had tested negative. If he or any player, coach or support staff member tested positive before Thursday the season could be postponed until as late as June or July.
It is understood that the AFL believes at best it would get through one round of AFL football before it had to shelve its season for months.
Clubs have heavily lobbied the AFL to delay the season so when football does return it is with fans back in their seats and paying for games.
The league will ask the player union for feedback today after the playing group’s 1240 were canvassed for opinions in telephone hook-ups of the AFL and AFLW.
The league has in effect cut its home-and-away season by a quarter, with 153 home-andaway games instead of 198.
The league will have to make a decision on playing round one by the end of today, with McLachlan saying the league had “not made a final decision” on fixtures this weekend. Even then, the league could have to cancel round one on game day given every club is now testing players and staff with flu-like symptoms.
The AFL is protecting up to $1.09 billion of revenue this season across its 18 clubs and AFL House that includes ticketing and merchandise.