AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says the league will go on a complete 30-day shut down in the event of a player contracting coronavirus.
A handful of players have been tested for COVID-19 amidst the AFL's fight to ensure the virus doesn't stop the new season from going ahead.
Speaking on 3AW on Friday, McLachlan confirmed some players are currently in quarantine, and while there have been no confirmed cases, the AFL would go into lock down for at least one month if a player tested positive.
"We'll certainly stand down for a minimum of 30 days," McLachlan said.
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"At the moment in terms of our protocols, we need to make sure that our protocols are completely tight."
The competition got underway on Thursday evening with the traditional opener between Carlton and Richmond.
With no live crowds allowed in stadiums for the foreseeable future, a stark MCG presented viewers with the shocking reality of how different this season could be.
McLachlan said the AFL was proud to offer some relief in what is otherwise a testing time and believes fans will become accustomed to the new viewing experience.
10 days ago the MCG hosted 86,174 people #howquicklythingschange
— Mason Cox (@masonsixtencox) March 18, 2020
"Football is important to so many people. When everyone is in such a terrible spot, we're certainly a community that is grappling something that's unprecedented," the AFL boss said.
"When the footy is there for as long as it can be, I think it's something we see people can get around their TV sets and get lost in it for a few hours.
"I spoke to different people today, some watched it with the volume down, people watch it in different ways.
"Who knows how long we'll go for but I think people will get used to that. It was certainly stark."
All 16 clubs have been given strict hygiene protocols to adhere to during the week at training, and before and after games.
The MCG is usually heaving with fans, but not for Round 1 of the AFL season. @ChristineAhern #9News pic.twitter.com/tqcxxid09S
— Nine News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) March 20, 2020
However, a number of Tigers and Blues players were seen on Friday sharing water bottles as per usual.
McLachlan insisted clubs will be addressed over the matter ahead of Friday night's game between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
"I've spoken to Steve Hocking [GM of football oeprations] this morning. [It's] the first game so I think you'll forgive everybody for being habitual," he said.
"We'll get the protocols better and I think you'll see changes tonight."
