Search

show me:

AFLPA still unconvinced by quarantine hubs

3 minute read

AFLPA boss Paul Marsh is yet to be convinced the creation of quarantine hubs is the best way to restart the AFL season.

AFLPA CEO PAUL MARSH
AFLPA CEO PAUL MARSH Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

AFL Players Association chief Paul Marsh still has serious reservations about the AFL's proposed quarantine hubs.

But league boss Gillon McLachlan says the league is working hard to allay those fears.

The Hub plan, which would have teams separated into three groups and isolated in different states to limit their exposure to COVID-19, is one of the scenarios the league is considering to restart the suspended season.

The concept has sparked much debate with senior coaches largely embracing the idea while AFLPA president Patrick Dangerfield has voiced his concerns.

GWS chairman Tony Shepherd has labelled hubs as potential cruise ships in the making and while Marsh is yet to see a firm Hub proposal from the AFL he shares Shepherd's concerns.

"Having a whole lot of people together there is obviously risk of if someone gets it they all get it," Marsh told SEN SA on Thursday.

"So how can we be certain that anyone that is interacting with players within the hubs, how can we be certain that no one in there has got it and is therefore passing it on?

"Then you start to see where potential interaction might come from whether that be bus drivers or people serving food or media covering it ... all of that stuff needs to be thought through.

"And I'm sure the AFL will be thinking through all of this and we'll get a proposal that deals with it."

Marsh said that in initial discussions with the league about hubs he had pushed for players to be given the option of taking their families with them into isolation.

In a press conference later on Thursday, McLachlan asked for patience as the AFL worked out the best way forward.

"I think it's challenging when players don't have a level of information," he said.

"At the moment we're working through what's possible and there's lots of different scenarios.

"We're aware of players' mental health and part of that is having access to families and that connection with communities.

"We'll have to continue to work with all the stakeholders to get their buy in. I understand the reservations of some in the absence of information."

McLachlan said the AFL will have a return-to-play plan ready to put to clubs by the end of April, with growing confidence in the industry that games might resume in July.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au