CLUBS have been told by the AFL it will have a “clear path forward” by the end of the month as the league finalises a plan to resuscitate the season.
The AFL has formed a working group called “Project Return” to guide the game out of the coronavirus darkness, with quarantine hubs among the scenarios being considered.
But AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has warned club chiefs there will be no quick bounce back to normality next year and that they will feel the effects for years to come.
In a long memo to clubs obtained by sen.com.au, McLachlan tells the 18 teams to brace for a “significant impact” on the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“Another critical piece of planning being led by Walter Lee … is looking forward to 2021/2022 and how we deal with the significant impact this crisis will have not just on this year, but subsequent years,” McLachlan writes.
“We know the industry structures will look different, but it does not mean they will be less. They have to be different to reflect the changed environment, with new priorities and a sharper lens on what delivers value for football.
“There are implications for all of us and every aspect of our game, but … there are also huge opportunities to build the bottom-up model that has been difficult historically to change because of entrenched structures.”
The AFL remains resolute in its determination to play the remaining 144 games, plus finals, this season and put on record its consideration of resuming the campaign with a group of teams gathering in one city.
“The critical question is if, when and how we are going to get our season away,” McLachlan writes.
“There are a range of different scenarios being looked at. The hub alternatives being speculated about in the media are some of those scenarios and involve discussions with a wide range of stakeholders.
“We are working through all the scenarios, but I will say … that placing all the individuals required in a controlled environment is one of the scenarios that is under consideration.
“I can’t emphasise enough that the health and wellbeing of everyone in our industry, and the wider community, has been our overriding focus since day one of this issue and it will continue to be the most important element of our planning.
“We will be guided by Federal, State and Territory governments about what is possible … and we will continue to work within their advice as to when and how it is right to return to play.”
Clubs were told they would gain more clarity on their budgets and costs by the middle of the month, with a line of credit secured and a distribution model in place until October 31.
“This is going to be a very tough period for everyone,” McLachlan said.
“There are going to continue to be lumps and bumps along the way, miscommunications, things we haven’t thought of, tough calls, but we will stay united, as transparent as possible and agile and flexible and work through them and come out of this different, but just as strong.”
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