The AFL has sent a memo to clubs outlining their expectations as they progress from the shutdown towards games after the Victorian government said clubs within the state would be allowed to return to full training when restrictions are eased on Wednesday.
In the detailed memo, the AFL has ordered the tests, which take five to 10 minutes, be completed before Friday.
The testing for Victorian clubs is expected to begin on Wednesday at a central hub at Marvel Stadium, according to The Age.
The AFL also outlined strict protocols relating to a resumption to training and playing in the document, including the banning for the remainder of 2020 of AFL-listed footballers from playing in their respective states’ second-tier competitions (VFL, WAFL, SANFL, NEAFL).
Clubs have also been told that football department staff will be restricted to 24, with a doctor, psychologist and player development manager among the legislated necessary staff.
The changes announced by the Victorian government effectively allow for the actual playing of matches from midnight on Tuesday, but the AFL will not implement that until all clubs get the all-clear to complete a three-week “pre-season”.
In the update to clubs, the AFL has also referenced the savage financial cuts that will be applied to all clubs’ football departments.
Clubs have forecast losing half “normal” revenues, and the AFL has warned that pre-coronavirus levels of finances may not be seen for up to five years, “if at all”.
As per “BAU (business as usual)” averages, clubs spend $730,000.
Upon resumption, the AFL has told clubs they must reduce costs by 40 per cent, to around $430,000.
That figure is allowed to be increased to more than $500,000 when matches begin, which is expected to be mid to late June.
