AFL coronavirus: Stars reportedly considering 2020 boycott over hub plans

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AFL coronavirus: Stars reportedly considering 2020 boycott over hub plans image

High-profile players could boycott the remainder of the 2020 season if the AFL refuses to meet one of their key demands, according to reports.

The entire AFL playing group attended an online meeting on Tuesday where they were briefed on key details of head office’s plans for the resumption of the competition.

As first reported by AFL.com.au, senior players reacted angrily when informed one proposal would require them to enter a so-called hub for 20-out-of-21 weeks without their families.

It was widely accepted players would have to enter a hub, where they would be isolated from the general public.

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But revelations wives and children could be excluded from the isolation hubs led unnamed players to angrily declare they may refuse to return this season.

"As per one of the proposals, it is possible for players to be in hubs for 20 weeks out of 21, and that will impact players differently,” AFL Players Association CEO Paul Marsh told AFL.com.au.

"We need to find ways to support, and for the option to be there of bringing families with them if they need to.”

The AFL is yet to decide how many hubs would be set up and where they would be located.

It has been suggested all 18 clubs could be stationed in Melbourne, while the option of having three hubs of six teams has also been discussed.

The Gold Coast, Sydney and Darwin have all been thrown up as possible interstate destinations should the AFL opt for multiple hubs.

 

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