The Hubs

[bornadog]

All round-six AFL matches will be played in either New South Wales and Queensland as the AFL reshapes the fixture to deal with the cororavirus outbreak in Victoria.

The league confirmed on Friday that all Victorian clubs will be temporarily relocated outside the state.

"The temporary relocation of all 10 Victorian-based teams out of the state will see them move to bases in Queensland, NSW and WA where they will undergo the various quarantine regimes while also continuing to adhere to the strict protocols the AFL has in place," the league said in a statement.

The Queensland government said six Melbourne-based AFL clubs - St Kilda, North Melbourne, Essendon, Western Bulldogs, Richmond and Carlton - will relocate to the northern state and possibly live in a hub for the "rest of the season", as the fall-out of COVID-19 continues.

Four will be based on the Gold Coast and two on the Sunshine Coast.

Twelve teams, however, will be on the Gold Coast for round-six matches. St Kilda, Essendon, North Melbourne, GWS, Richmond, Sydney, Carlton and Western Bulldogs will join the four clubs that have been based there for a month - West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

Geelong, Melbourne, Brisbane, Collingwood, Gold Coast and Hawthorn will be in Sydney.

The AFL on Friday also released an updated fixture for rounds six and seven. All nine matches in round six will be held in Sydney, at the SCG and Giants Stadium, and in south-east Queensland, at the Gabba and Metricon Stadium.


In round seven, Perth's Optus Stadium will stage two matches - Collingwood facing Geelong on Thursday July 16, while West Coast and Fremantle, who will leave their hub on the Gold Coast, will clash on the Sunday. The Adelaide Oval will then be reactivated, with the Crows hosting St Kilda on a Monday night.


The Victorian clubs will leave for their hubs as soon as this weekend's round is completed and undergo quarantine.


“Essentially, Queensland is going to be the home of the AFL, they should give us the grand final after this,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“Four teams are going to be on the Gold Coast and two on the Sunshine Coast.

“There will be a lot more matches at the Gabba and Metricon and of course our capacity is 50 per cent of the public being able to go see these sports stars in action.

“(They’ll be here) for the rest of the season is my understanding.”

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan said the "the health and safety of our people and the wider community is paramount".

"We will continue to make decisions that are anchored in the advice of governments and designed to protect our people and the wider community," he said.


“I have said on a number of occasions that this would be a season of challenges. And that the one certainty is that before we completed the 2020 AFL premiership season there would be more unique challenges along the way.


“I want to thank the governments in NSW, Queensland and WA for their support in helping us set up a series of high-performance centres that will see interstate teams based in their state in accordance with all the strict local protocols and playing games.


“I would also like to thank all of our clubs, players, coaches, umpires and officials for their continued support and ability to adapt quickly as we navigate through the changing environment.

“The Victorian clubs now temporarily moving interstate are playing their part in ensuring our season endures in a year that will continue to challenge us all.

"I have also often talked about the need for us to continue to be flexible and agile. As situations change across Australia so has our response. And it will continue to do so.”

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said his team was ready to join a hub but players had the option of remaining in Melbourne.

"The difficult thing, I think for everyone who's going to a hub, is just leaving their families behind," he said.

"I think we've got eight dads and the boys will make decisions on whether or not [they go]. We'd love to take everyone with us, we'll definitely take all our players.

"We're hoping to be able to take partners and young children if that's what the choice is — but there might be one or two who may not be able to go and that's fine and so we'll work through that.

"But I think everyone's probably looking forward to it more than anything and continuing on with the season and it probably eliminates a lot of the risk, back here.

"We'll have some freedoms after the quarantine and I think all our crew are looking forward to that."

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers were ready to embrace life in a hub.

South Australia Health Minister Stephen Wade said on Friday that his state had not been prepared to be a hub.

LINK (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/six-victorian-afl-clubs-set-to-relocate-to-queensland-20200703-p558oo.html)

[bornadog]

Vic teams will initially spend 32 days away from home, and then the situation will be reassessed.

[bornadog]

A change already

Sam Edmund reports

Blues have had the Noosa rug pulled out from underneath them. Now going to Gold Coast. Sounds like the logistics regarding accommodation in Noosa got a bit difficult. Saints have had another win!

[Ozza]

Good on QLD for making this happen when other states couldn't or wouldn't.

[bornadog]

Two Richmond players not going. Rumoured to be Houli and Edwards. Both have wives with babies due

[bornadog]

Stringer not going to Hub due to his injury.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Stringer not going to Hub due to his injury.

Drat. Was hoping to see Bailey Smith vs Stringer 2.0

[Rocket Science]

Stringer not going to Hub due to his injury.

And a choir of Essendon take-away food vendors rejoice.

[bornadog]

And a choir of Essendon take-away food vendors rejoice.

Jake Stringer body shamed by Bruce McAvaney, Brian Taylor (https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-jake-stringer-body-shamed-by-bruce-mcavaney-brian-taylor/news-story/c692d2d30250111e95638d278c72bd23)

[comrade]

Jake Stringer body shamed by Bruce McAvaney, Brian Taylor (https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-jake-stringer-body-shamed-by-bruce-mcavaney-brian-taylor/news-story/c692d2d30250111e95638d278c72bd23)

They just called out the obvious, but went about it in their cringey Channel 7 way.

[EasternWest]

They just called out the obvious, but went about it in their cringey Channel 7 way.

Spot on. They were creepy and weird, but they weren't wrong.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNmWQOUcAYTEqC?format=jpg&name=large

[Grantysghost]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNmWQOUcAYTEqC?format=jpg&name=large

This is most likely the flight VA9007 from Melbourne to Gold Coast https://fr24.com/VOZ9007/24dcb93f

[bornadog]

This is most likely the flight VA9007 from Melbourne to Gold Coast https://fr24.com/VOZ9007/24dcb93f

I would say so

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNlb2QU4AA6CpL?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNlb23U8AAZ0DU?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNlb3yVAAAov_z?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNlb4iUcAAkReP?format=jpg&name=large

[Rocket Science]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNmWQOUcAYTEqC?format=jpg&name=large

This pic has strong 'Captain Cordy informing the plane we're about to go down' energy.

[Axe Man]

This is most likely the flight VA9007 from Melbourne to Gold Coast https://fr24.com/VOZ9007/24dcb93f

Typical - barely any flights and they still leave an hour late!

[1eyedog]

And a choir of Essendon take-away food vendors rejoice.

However in other news a handful of dodgy tattoo studios lament.

[1eyedog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcNlb3yVAAAov_z?format=jpg&name=large

If I was a young girl I'd be screaming right now.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If I was a young girl I'd be screaming right now.

Saw this post on the activity stream and assumed it was in relation to the Jake Stringer discussion. But then i remembered he isn't going up to QLD

[bornadog]

If I was a young girl I'd be screaming right now.

Rhylee still 19 (about to turn 20) and Smith still 19 - oh to be young again.

[GVGjr]

If I was a young girl I'd be screaming right now.

Go ahead, don't let that hold you back

[bulldogsthru&thru]

If I was a young girl I'd be screaming right now.
968
Don't hold back

[Bulldog Joe]

Jake Stringer body shamed by Bruce McAvaney, Brian Taylor (https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/afl-2020-jake-stringer-body-shamed-by-bruce-mcavaney-brian-taylor/news-story/c692d2d30250111e95638d278c72bd23)

Could Jake have had Jack Stevens as his training partner during lock :)

[Bulldog Joe]

Rhylee still 19 (about to turn 20) and Smith still 19 - oh to be young again.

BAD
You are as young as your going to be. Enjoy it.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcZVDSvU8AAA_Hd?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcZVBwwUcAErwhW?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EcZVBKhUwAEcKDX?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEu_EDxNqMo

[bornadog]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm6LEVwFdiE

[bornadog]

Sam Edmund
@Sammy__Edmund


Hearing clubs have been told by AFL that the league wants to get to the end of Round 12 in this 32-day hub block. Was originally planned to be five games in 32 days - taking the season to the end of Round 10. Now looking like seven games in 32 days. 4 1/2 day break on average.

[Axe Man]

Sam Edmund
@Sammy__Edmund


Hearing clubs have been told by AFL that the league wants to get to the end of Round 12 in this 32-day hub block. Was originally planned to be five games in 32 days - taking the season to the end of Round 10. Now looking like seven games in 32 days. 4 1/2 day break on average.

We might not have enough fit players left after 7 games in 32 days! Wouldn't everyone be better off extending the hub stay by a couple of weeks?

[Rocco Jones]

We might not have enough fit players left after 7 games in 32 days! Wouldn't everyone be better off extending the hub stay by a couple of weeks?

Maybe this is a bluff to make that happen.

[Grantysghost]

Sam Edmund
@Sammy__Edmund


Hearing clubs have been told by AFL that the league wants to get to the end of Round 12 in this 32-day hub block. Was originally planned to be five games in 32 days - taking the season to the end of Round 10. Now looking like seven games in 32 days. 4 1/2 day break on average.

Crikey that's a footy extravaganza! Surely JT even gets a run.

[Rocket Science]

Crikey that's a footy extravaganza! Surely JT even gets a run.

You rang?

https://i.ibb.co/JKKL4Tb/Screen-Shot-2020-07-09-at-10-12-22-PM.png (https://ibb.co/PNNpnyb)

[Axe Man]

Speculation that we will be joining Geelong and Collingwood in WA, along with Carlton.

[bornadog]

Speculation that we will be joining Geelong and Collingwood in WA, along with Carlton.

I hope the grounds are better as Metricon and Gabba, plus showgrounds don't look fit for purpose.

[GVGjr]

Speculation that we will be joining Geelong and Collingwood in WA, along with Carlton.

Interesting group. We've played both Collingwood and Carlton so it limits the time we would be in WA

[Axe Man]

I hope the grounds are better as Metricon and Gabba, plus showgrounds don't look fit for purpose.

I imagine 3 games at Optus Stadium per round won't be an issue and at least there would be plenty of grounds for training being an AFL State, unlike NSW and Queensland.

[Rocco Jones]

Interesting group. We've played both Collingwood and Carlton so it limits the time we would be in WA

I guess we can play the Eagles and Freo straight up right due to quarantining in Queensland? We can also play the Cats, so that's 3 teams.

[Axe Man]

Turns out it will be Hawthorn rather than us heading to Perth after round 8 along with Carlton.

Looks like we will be staying on the Gold Coast for now:


The Bulldogs are likely to be among the third rotation of clubs sent to Perth for a round-robin of matches after their stay on the Gold Coast, which could extend to 42 days when the AFL compresses Rounds 9-12 into three weeks.

It is understood the AFL is working on getting the Bulldogs home to Melbourne for one week to visit family after their stay in Queensland.

I guess that means there could be a week off to allow us and another team to quarantine in WA after coming from Melbourne?

[mjp]

Speculation that we will be joining Geelong and Collingwood in WA, along with Carlton.

Stop it!

[Axe Man]

Stop it!

Sorry - the HUN got it wrong yesterday (would you believe it?).

But you may just get the chance to watch us play live in a month or so if their mail today is more accurate.

[Jeanette54]

You rang?

https://i.ibb.co/JKKL4Tb/Screen-Shot-2020-07-09-at-10-12-22-PM.png (https://ibb.co/PNNpnyb)

Don't worry Jackson, the supporters haven't forgotten you, even if match committee plainly have.

[1eyedog]

I'd be getting all teams out of NSW after round 8 at the latest.

[bornadog]

I'd be getting all teams out of NSW after round 8 at the latest.

SA have already said the borders with NSW won't be open this weekend like they said they would

[bornadog]

That is a long spell


Gerard: "I'm being told from a well-placed source that all Victorian clubs were told this morning that they will be based in Queensland for the remainder of the home and away season."

[Axe Man]

AFL to move hundreds of players, more games to Qld due to COVID 19 threat (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/queensland/afl-to-move-hundreds-of-players-more-games-to-qld/news-story/685b78c4c53b8470ee5c6dd4ef95fd4c)

More AFL games will be played in Queensland and more teams based here as Victoria’s coronavirus crisis continues to escalate.

The news, announced by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, comes as Queensland records no new COVID-19 cases.

“I can reveal that the AFL has approached Queensland to move more of its teams and players here to Queensland,” Ms Palaszczuk said

The Premier said she hoped that if the AFL was going to base more of its competition here, then Queensland could also host the AFL Grand Final.

She said the AFL was looking to book hundreds of hotel rooms over the next two months in a boon for the accommodation sector, but she said the health of Queenslanders would be paramount.

“It means more Queenslanders here can go and see the games,” she said.

“It’s more fire in the belly for the Suns and the Lions.

“I stress none of these measures can happen without strict quarantine protocols and the COVID management plan that has allowed the AFL season to proceed.

“Given the choice between not having a season and having it based in Queensland I think I know what the fans would like to happen.

“It means more Queenslanders can see more games.

“And, as I told Gil (AFL CEO Gil McLachlan), if the season is based here then the Grand Final should be played here too.

“Negotiations between the NRL and the Chief Health Officer are continuing.”

Essendon is gathering the troops by considering bringing its injured players to its Gold Coast hub.

Speaking after Premier Palaszczuk’s announcement, Bombers coach John Worsfold confirmed the club was now looking at bringing the likes of injured star Jake Stringer north.

“We’re having those discussions at the moment around Paddy Ambrose who is another one back in Melbourne and some of our younger players who are unavailable to play for a number of weeks,” Worsfold said.

“We are working through what that means for all of us up here, there’s a lot of things that you have to take into account in terms of staffing in looking after those players in rehab and what they can add when they come up and join the group.

“We need to make a decision on that fairly quickly and we’ll be having those discussions over the next day or so.”

CLUBS PREFER QLD

St Kilda has handed Port Adelaide an addition to the Power’s home ground advantage in Round 8 by choosing not to stay in SA in between consecutive games at Adelaide Oval.

The Saints will take on Adelaide on Monday night and rather than stay in SA after their match against the Crows to prepare for their clash against the Power the following Saturday night they will fly back to their Noosa base.

The decision is an internal one by the Saints with nothing stopping them from staying in Adelaide in between games.

This is because they would have served two weeks in Queensland before they fly to Adelaide for the Crows game.

Port Adelaide will again fly to Queensland to play Carlton on Sunday after a daytrip to the Sunshine State to take on GWS in which the Power were up at 4.30am, on the bus to the airport at 5.30am and back in Adelaide at 10pm.

But they are set to enjoy a run of games at Adelaide Oval with the AFL now looking at cycling teams through SA for weeks at a time to continue the 2020 season.

SA Health confirmed to News Corp that teams coming to the state from Queensland will not be subject to any quarantine requirements so long as they have served the required two weeks there.

AFL fixtures boss Travis Auld said SA was now well and truly on the cards to host some clubs for a period, but said it wouldn’t necessarily be a “hub”.

“(Been having conversations with) SA in particular in recent times now that things are opening up especially through Queensland and then how that may work not just for the two SA clubs but for other clubs that are coming to play and how we take advantage of the opportunity to have one or two clubs stay for one or two weeks and play a couple of games rather than fly in and then back out,” he said on SEN SA.

“The hub concept is really the Queensland concept where you have four to six teams here they literally park themselves in a hotel like the two SA clubs did.

“What we are seeing in WA and initially in SA is you might send one or two teams over and they play one team, then play the other and then flip over and rotate out more so of that where you would put half a dozen of your clubs into a facility there.”

[Axe Man]

Half their luck

Dogs’ stay in Queensland extended
(https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/743424/dogs-stay-in-queensland-extended?fbclid=IwAR363pBAj-BNrkTi3juqpn7Lx2v-zensuC7bPkSbsBX0HnmiTxlsLsHANIY)
The Western Bulldogs are set to be based in a Queensland hub for up to 10 weeks to complete the 2020 home and away season.

In a move announced by the AFL today, the Bulldogs stay on the Gold Coast will be extended.

“Today we make another decision to ensure the health and welfare of everyone and to provide greater certainty to all involved in our game for the coming weeks,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said today.

“Understanding the ongoing situation with Covid-19 in Victoria, Victorian teams will be based out of Queensland for up to 10 weeks as we aim to get the majority of the season complete in that timeframe.

“Victorian teams based in Queensland that are fixtured to travel interstate to play, will travel to their game and then return back Queensland.”

Fixtures beyond round eight, where the Bulldogs will play the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, have yet to be announced.

Beyond that, the Bulldogs would have nine home-and-away games to play, including against the two Perth-based teams and two Adelaide-based teams.

Mr McLachlan thanked everyone involved in the game for their commitment to keeping the season alive, in a year like no other.

“This season that is literally like no other,” he said.

“Amongst all the changes, challenges, good days and bad ones, we continue to find a way through.

“We will continue to keep our game alive, for the fans, for our clubs and for the thousands and thousands of jobs the competition provides.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

I might get to see more games live now than since i was a boy living Melbourne!

We're all going this Friday, glad I decided not to go last Sunday!

[EasternWest]

I might get to see more games live now than since i was a boy living Melbourne!

We're all going this Friday, glad I decided not to go last Sunday!

There's a silver lining!

[josie]

Good on you YHF!! Look forward to some insights which are not always evident on tv coverage.

Exciting for you to see our top draft pick debut.

Yell an extra loud “Go Cody/Flea” for all the Vic supporters.

[Eastdog]

I might get to see more games live now than since i was a boy living Melbourne!

We're all going this Friday, glad I decided not to go last Sunday!

Are you near the Gold Coast YHF?

Living in Melbourne I have really missed going to the footy watching the Dogs catching up with people etc so have a good time there YHF and hope we can get the win.

[Grantysghost]

I might get to see more games live now than since i was a boy living Melbourne!

We're all going this Friday, glad I decided not to go last Sunday!

So jealous, first season in 40 years I haven't been it really is apparent when it's gone. We are all there with you in spirit enjoy !

[Eastdog]

So jealous, first season in 40 years I haven't been it really is apparent when it's gone. We are all there with you in spirit enjoy !

Will certainly never take going to the footy granted again after this year. When you went to the Western Oval back in the day where did you usually sit for home games Grantysghost? Whitten stand? The Western Oval playing days were before my time. Lots used to probably come from far and wide to watch the mighty Dogs each week.

[Grantysghost]

Will certainly never take going to the footy granted again after this year. When you went to the Western Oval back in the day where did you usually sit for home games Grantysghost? Whitten stand? The Western Oval playing days were before my time.

We used to sit on the fence in front of the EJ Whitten stand. Would be a family affair. Arrive for the start of the reserves, get our spot on the concrete steps, and wait for the rest of the extended family to arrive. Fantastic tradition. Ducking 20 cent pieces at half time hurled down to the Hyde St band blanket as they walked around trumpets blaring.

[Eastdog]

We used to sit on the fence in front of the EJ Whitten stand. Would be a family affair. Arrive for the start of the reserves, get our spot on the concrete steps, and wait for the rest of the extended family to arrive. Fantastic tradition. Ducking 20 cent pieces at half time hurled down to the Hyde St band blanket as they walked around trumpets blaring.

Was walking distance WO for you or did you used to train it in or drive there?

[Grantysghost]

Was walking distance WO for you or did you used to train it in or drive there?

Dad would drive ! Ah seems like yesterday :cool:

40th year as a member no games ! I'll be back.


https://i.postimg.cc/RF19cPx5/20200716-083031.jpg (https://postimg.cc/jwjGT4jZ)

[Eastdog]

Dad would drive ! Ah seems like yesterday :cool:

Was born in 1989. 1980 40 years ago now! Time flies!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

Are you near the Gold Coast YHF?

Living in Melbourne I have really missed going to the footy watching the Dogs catching up with people etc so have a good time there YHF and hope we can get the win.

I'm about 45 mins up the highway in Brisbane Eastie

[Axe Man]

Easton Wood’s pregnant wife Tiffany hits out at those calling the AFL’s relocation a holiday (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/easton-woods-pregnant-wife-tiffany-hits-out-at-those-calling-the-afls-relocation-a-holiday/news-story/4603c16a3a8193fd433a12c141fc3500)

Premiership captain Easton Wood’s pregnant wife has hit out at suggestions the AFL industry was relocated to sunny Queensland for a holiday.

Tiffany Wood is in the Western Bulldogs’ Queensland hub and says countless football families are making selfless sacrifices to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t bankrupt the AFL.

Pictures this week showed players from Victorian clubs exercising on the Gold Coast beach and playing golf, while Melbourne remained in lockdown.

But Tiffany Wood said the move to Queensland was “not a holiday with bae”.

“We’ve been relocated because of work. This is a work environment,” Wood said on Instagram.

“Staff are missing their families and working around the clock.

“We are all doing all of this so the boys, clubs staff and AFL can put on a show for you and commercialise it so that the sport and clubs don’t go under in these challenging times.

“This is really important to remember. Hundreds of people working to put on games every week to ensure the future security of the sport and all of its employees (and fans!).”

Tiffany Wood urged critics to consider the situation AFL families were suddenly thrust into when Victoria’s second wave of COVID-19 hit.

“In no way was it my intention to ‘brag’ or ‘flaunt this situation’,” she said.

“And no. I couldn’t have done this alone at home. I’ve battled my own mental health challenges since 2011 and I would’ve crumbled.

“I can know myself and accept this. I’m fully recovered and I still have moments and gateways that trigger me.

“We live level 3 restrictions. No beach (for leisure). No restaurants. No family.

“I’m not asking for compassion but I am asking SOME of you to walk a mile in my shoes before you shoot your mouth off and judge so quick.”

[Bulldog Revolution]

Stop it!

Shame for you this didn't eventuate - it was tempting fate to even mention it out loud

[comrade]

Shame for you this didn't eventuate - it was tempting fate to even mention it out loud

Could still happen but looking less likely.

[josie]

Thx for that post Axe Man.

Well said Tiffany. Brave of you to share you've faced mental health challenges.

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeUdznQUcAAL5R_?format=jpg&name=900x900

Collingwood fined $50,000 for Buckley and Sanderson playing Tennis with Alicia Molik and one other person on Friday in Perth

I wonder if Eddie will follow through :D

[Topdog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EeUdznQUcAAL5R_?format=jpg&name=900x900

Collingwood fined $50,000 for Buckley and Sanderson playing Tennis with Alicia Molik and one other person on Friday in Perth

I wonder if Eddie will follow through :D

When will he learn to shut the heck up?!?!? Love it

[bornadog]

Other breaches

Hawks were fined $50,000 due to non playing group entering public areas at the SCG last Saturday. There were also fines of $45,000 to Richmond when Cotchin's wife left the hub to go to a beauty salon, Carlton fined for children attending a theme park and North fined for wags attending the match at the Gabba.

[jeemak]

He's such a bumbling galoot these days.

[GVGjr]

It might be timely for the club and our compliance manager Sam Power to address our players, coaches, staff and the families there again on the importance of staying within the rules and the protocols that are in place

Mistakes are going to happen but you would think the Buckley and Sanderson one should have been avoided

[bornadog]

They are actually risking the whole competition by breaking rules. If someone gets infected could be a major issue

[Remi Moses]

Eddie’s got to make the choice ( he should have years ago) footy media or prez
This is happening to frequently and seems to be happening more often
It’s embarrassing for them
He’s got very bolshy this year in particular and seems to want to put the code in the limelight often during lockdown 1

[jeemak]

Mitch Cleary stood down for report Cotchin's wife attended a beauty salon outside of the hubs.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/afl-journalist-stood-down-for-reporting-on-covid-breaches-20200803-p55hxy.html

Seems a bit strange...….or doesn't.

[1eyedog]

It's very strange she was already named previously on radio. The Peoples Republic of North Korea (I mean the AFL) really need to overturn this pretty quickly.

Gee the Cotchins sound like self-important pricks.

[azabob]

It's very strange she was already named previously on radio. The Peoples Republic of North Korea (I mean the AFL) really need to overturn this pretty quickly.

Damage is already done, jorno's from other media outlets would be loving this. Schadenfreude is the term a few on here like which may apply.

[jeemak]

Apparently the Cotchin's are doing it tough:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/trent-and-brooke-cotchin-doing-it-tough-after-protocol-breach-20200803-p55i1o.html

[Topdog]

It's very strange she was already named previously on radio. The Peoples Republic of North Korea (I mean the AFL) really need to overturn this pretty quickly.

Gee the Cotchins sound like self-important pricks.

AFL have really dropped the ball here. What a staggering decision.

Having only read the report linked by jeemak I thought she spoke quite well. Accepted responsibility, no excuses given, no fake apologies and calling out the AFL for standing down Cleary

[Bulldog Joe]

Apparently the Cotchin's are doing it tough:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/trent-and-brooke-cotchin-doing-it-tough-after-protocol-breach-20200803-p55i1o.html

Surely Brooke as the daughter of a Bulldog Legend wouldn't be at fault.

[Sedat]

Apparently the Cotchin's are doing it tough:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/trent-and-brooke-cotchin-doing-it-tough-after-protocol-breach-20200803-p55i1o.html
One of the great injustices during this pandemic has been the Federal Govt not including the crucial 'Instagram Influencer' industry into any of the stimulus packages.

[1eyedog]

It's been really hard on them no doubt.

[Happy Days]

Apparently the Cotchin's are doing it tough:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/trent-and-brooke-cotchin-doing-it-tough-after-protocol-breach-20200803-p55i1o.html

So sad :(

Cotchin's efforts to stop the season so no one will realise he's totally finished and a coward knows no bounds apparently.

[bornadog]

One of the great injustices during this pandemic has been the Federal Govt not including the crucial 'Instagram Influencer' industry into any of the stimulus packages.

That is funny :D

[jeemak]

AFL have really dropped the ball here. What a staggering decision.

Having only read the report linked by jeemak I thought she spoke quite well. Accepted responsibility, no excuses given, no fake apologies and calling out the AFL for standing down Cleary

Yep, agreed. Note the link to the story I originally posted now leads to an updated version.

[jeemak]

One of the great injustices during this pandemic has been the Federal Govt not including the crucial 'Instagram Influencer' industry into any of the stimulus packages.

Hilarious. Those within the industry genuinely think they're doing God's work.

[bornadog]

Yep, agreed. Note the link to the story I originally posted now leads to an updated version.

Cleary has got his job back

[bornadog]

The QLD Premier has announced that Sydney and Freo will be based in Cairns over the next three weeks

We may end up playing Freo in Cairns. Better than Perth

[Axe Man]

The QLD Premier has announced that Sydney and Freo will be based in Cairns over the next three weeks

We may end up playing Freo in Cairns. Better than Perth

From the sounds of things there won't be any more games in WA in the final part of the fixture (sorry MJP). Hawks will be based in SA with the Crows and Power, everybody else in Queensland. Certainly a win for us not having to go to WA.

[Grantysghost]

The QLD Premier has announced that Sydney and Freo will be based in Cairns over the next three weeks

We may end up playing Freo in Cairns. Better than Perth

Oh just to make being stuck here worse a game in Cairns to miss ! Noooooooooo..... (loved going to those games).

[bornadog]

Oh just to make being stuck here worse a game in Cairns to miss ! Noooooooooo..... (loved going to those games).

Undefeated.

[azabob]

Undefeated.

Which is odd considering now we struggle to handle the ball in dew / wet conditions.

[Bulldog Joe]

Which is odd considering now we struggle to handle the ball in dew / wet conditions.

Was never dewey in Cairns

[Grantysghost]

There was a game where we ran over the top of whoever we were playing, the Suns I assume and Stringer kicked a massive goal and celebrated to where we were sitting in the dogs function area. Was a great memory, Jake can certainly celebrate.

Edit : found it. For all his d&$kheadness I miss these moments.

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/video/210248/stringer-snap-takes-sting-out-of-suns-rd15?videoId=210248&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1436605752001

[azabob]

Was never dewey in Cairns

But it was sweaty and hard to handle the ball, wasn't it?

[jeemak]

But it was sweaty and hard to handle the ball, wasn't it?

It certainly was in Darwin. Remember those night games?

[bornadog]

It certainly was in Darwin. Remember those night games?

Yes went up there for two games. Darwin alot more humid than Cairns

[Bulldog Joe]

But it was sweaty and hard to handle the ball, wasn't it?

Not in Cairns.

i attended every game there and it was always close to perfect conditions.

Game time temperature was around 20 degrees and mostly with a zephyr of wind that made it feel a little cooler and we always won.

[Remi Moses]

Been there a few times
Can get windy which means the ground doesn’t get wet

[Axe Man]

Yes went up there for two games. Darwin alot more humid than Cairns

Maybe in wet season but not in dry. In fact the average humidity in Cairns is higher than Darwin during winter.

Having been to both, from a simple feel test, they seem about the same to me.

I think the the issue with Darwin is it is generally warmer for the games than Cairns, so more sweat.

[bornadog]

Maybe in wet season but not in dry. In fact the average humidity in Cairns is higher than Darwin during winter.

Having been to both, from a simple feel test, they seem about the same to me.

I think the the issue with Darwin is it is generally warmer for the games than Cairns, so more sweat.

What about August/ September when this will be on.

[Axe Man]

What about August/ September when this will be on.

Wet season doesn't start until November.

[bornadog]

Peter Ladhams and Dan Houston of Port Adelaide being investigated for Covid breach

[Remi Moses]

Hardwick is really starting to grind my gears
First it was the game style against his team he whinged about , now it’s personal attacks.

[bornadog]

Hardwick is really starting to grind my gears
First it was the game style against his team he whinged about , now it’s personal attacks.

No need to attack that way.

[Remi Moses]

Maybe in wet season but not in dry. In fact the average humidity in Cairns is higher than Darwin during winter.

Having been to both, from a simple feel test, they seem about the same to me.

I think the the issue with Darwin is it is generally warmer for the games than Cairns, so more sweat.

Darwin is more dry heat in winter
Cairns is more humid in winter
It’s not unbearable though .

[Bulldog Joe]

Darwin is more dry heat in winter
Cairns is more humid in winter
It’s not unbearable though .

Having travelled to Cairns every year we played and one year travelling on to Darwin, there is absolutely no way that Darwin is more comfortable weatherwise in the winter months.

[1eyedog]

Having travelled to Cairns every year we played and one year travelling on to Darwin, there is absolutely no way that Darwin is more comfortable weatherwise in the winter months.

Agreed. I've watched us there twice and it was worse than Cairns. It is like you permanently feel like you've just stepped out of a hot shower. Playing conditions are generally quite challenging as well.

[Axe Man]

Darwin is more dry heat in winter
Cairns is more humid in winter
It’s not unbearable though .

Don't tell me, tell BAD who reckons it's a lot more humid in Darwin than Cairns in winter.


Having travelled to Cairns every year we played and one year travelling on to Darwin, there is absolutely no way that Darwin is more comfortable weatherwise in the winter months.


Agreed. I've watched us there twice and it was worse than Cairns. It is like you permanently feel like you've just stepped out of a hot shower. Playing conditions are generally quite challenging as well.

Facts are in winter, on average it's more humid in Cairns, but hotter in Darwin so it sort of balances out.

[Grantysghost]

Nine new cases in QLD. Restrictions enforced in LGA's.
NT hub ?

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-22/coronavirus-cases-linked-to-brisbane-youth-detention-centre/12585448

[bornadog]

Some great footage of Wally


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jyhXSlgicQ

[bornadog]

West Coast Eagles, the entitled pricks were pushing the AFL to kick us or Essendon out of our HUB because they wanted to go back to the Royal Pines. They claimed they are playing finals and they are in the top four and deserve better accomodation. :mad:

AFL will now house them at a different resort and we stay where we are.

[Happy Days]

West Coast Eagles, the entitled pricks were pushing the AFL to kick us or Essendon out of our HUB because they wanted to go back to the Royal Pines. They claimed they are playing finals and they are in the top four and deserve better accomodation. :mad:

AFL will now house them at a different resort and we stay where we are.

Because they loved it so much there last time?

[bornadog]

Because they loved it so much there last time?

In any case, who the F do they think they are.

[azabob]

In any case, who the F do they think they are.

They think they are West Coast.

It is being reported they are in negotiations directly with North Melbourne to have their round 18 fixture in Perth rather than Queensland.

As it stands North are the home team and the game likely will be scheduled in Queensland.

If this happens West Coast will have eliminated the need to travel the week prior to finals.

[Axe Man]

Richmond players caught up in brawl outside Gold Coast strip club (https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/queensland/richmond-players-caught-up-in-brawl-outside-gold-coast-strip-club/news-story/415a98d461f12ae7bc936dda1e17b348)

Two Richmond players have been caught up in a fight outside a Gold Coast strip club.

The Courier-Mail has been told the two players, Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones were involved in an altercation last night after being evicted from Hollywood Showgirls on the glitter strip’s Orchid Ave.

It is understood police were called, with the fight occurring just metres from the police station.

A league spokesman said: “The AFL is aware of the matter and is currently investigating”.

Hundreds of AFL players, families and officials have relocated to Queensland to keep the season going away from Melbourne’s coronavirus outbreak.

To prevent the spread of the virus, clubs have been quarantining in Gold Coast “hubs” - resorts where families can lounge by the pool and interact with each other but not the outside world.

Players are required to live in a “bubble”.

It comes as Brisbane has just been announced as the venue for this year’s AFL grand final amid controversy over the number of people allowed into the state.

More to come...

[comrade]

Not a great look. I expect those lads are going to cop it.

[1eyedog]

Haha wtf these guys are going on a bigger post-flag bender than we did.

[azabob]

Haha wtf these guys are going on a bigger post-flag bender than we did.

Yeah, only difference is they perform onfield. Think North in peak Carey era.

[Topdog]

Yeah, only difference is they perform onfield. Think North in peak Carey era.

Plus its their 2nd flag in 3 years

[comrade]

Haha wtf these guys are going on a bigger post-flag bender than we did.

Haha, and 2 blokes that had effectively zero influence on their successes over the last 3 years. Pull ya heads in.

[Happy Days]

Richmond's one team campaign to stop the season and retain by default continues. Cotchin probably gave them a lift there.

[Grantysghost]

Evict the entire club. Enough strikes, whole season and future of some clubs at stake with this pandemic and they have these incidents.

[The Pie Man]

Can you imagine the reaction if this happened in Perth?

[bornadog]

They should be suspended for the rest of the season.

[Axe Man]

You should be suspended for the rest of the season.

Nobody has heard of Coleman-Jones so summary execution is a possibility. If it had have been Dusty a fine would have sufficed.

[comrade]

Aren't all COVID fines taken from the soft footy dept budget? Their idiocy might cost someone their job.

[bornadog]

Aren't all COVID fines taken from the soft footy dept budget? Their idiocy might cost someone their job.

Expected to be $100k and yes comes out of Footy Dept budget next year.

[Bulldog4life]

In my opinion those 2 players should be sent back to Melbourne with a fat fine. If Richmond doesn't act hope the AFL does.

[Grantysghost]

Nobody has heard of Coleman-Jones so summary execution is a possibility. If it had have been Dusty a fine would have sufficed.

But they're Tiger's "stars"...!

[soupman]

The fact that two 20 year olds being absolute dickheads is probably going to cost multiple jobs within the club is horrible. Imagine being some physio or part of the membership team or whatever and being told that because of this $100k fine that they can't afford to keep you employed, or they can but you'll have to take a considerable pay cut from what I assume is already not market leading rates. Meanwhile Stack and CCJ get another season in the 6 digits to play reserves footy.

[Axe Man]

Tom Browne with the important details:


Stack ordered two lots of two kebabs. His card declined and he was quite aware according to the shop owner. Certainly not necessarily drunk according to shop owner


According to the shop owner, stack asked ‘for one of his famous kebabs.’ His eftpos didn’t work. So transferred the money. The two kebabs were ruined in the scuffle. So the tigers pair ordered two more post the fight

[GVGjr]

We have to acknowledge the work Sam Power, the coaches and the players have done because we haven't had any real issues to deal with. Lets hope I haven't jinxed this :)

[Rocket Science]

Ruined kebabs!

The horror!

[Happy Days]

The fact that two 20 year olds being absolute dickheads is probably going to cost multiple jobs within the club is horrible. Imagine being some physio or part of the membership team or whatever and being told that because of this $100k fine that they can't afford to keep you employed, or they can but you'll have to take a considerable pay cut from what I assume is already not market leading rates. Meanwhile Stack and CCJ get another season in the 6 digits to play reserves footy.

They’ve got $100k lying around for two seconds players to piss up against a wall but not for their women’s VFL side?

[Grantysghost]

Ruined kebabs!

The horror!

I really need to know if they were chicken, lamb or mixed. It changes things for me.

[bornadog]

They’ve got $100k lying around for two seconds players to piss up against a wall but not for their women’s VFL side?

They are also thinking about pulling the pin on the VFL side.

[Grantysghost]

We have to acknowledge the work Sam Power, the coaches and the players have done because we haven't had any real issues to deal with. Lets hope I haven't jinxed this :)

Now you've done it.

[Grantysghost]

They are also thinking about pulling the pin on the VFL side.

Should we have a whip round for them?

[bornadog]

Ruined kebabs!

The horror!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhC7zhAU8AAh2dy?format=jpg&name=large

[azabob]

I really need to know if they were chicken, lamb or mixed. It changes things for me.

Stacks was Chicken,

Jones was Lamb.

After they were dropped they became mixed.

[bornadog]

Richmond players Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones have been suspended for 10 matches and sent home from Queensland, after breaching the AFL’s return to play protocols

Richmond have been fined $100,000 by the AFL, with $100,000 taken away from their football department soft cap for the 2021 season.

[The Adelaide Connection]

Richmond players Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones have been suspended for 10 matches and sent home from Queensland, after breaching the AFL’s return to play protocols

Richmond have been fined $100,000 by the AFL, with $100,000 taken away from their football department soft cap for the 2021 season.

Ouch.

It does raise the question, if they were only found out because they got in a scrap then how many others have also been breaking the rules?

[Grantysghost]

Ouch.

It does raise the question, if they were only found out because they got in a scrap then how many others have also been breaking the rules?

Agree. And how many are covering for them. They did a dumb thing, and we've had to make massive sacrifices (personally profound) but I do hope they're given the support they need when they return as well.

[GVGjr]

The 100K needs to come out of their salary cap not dropping one of the footy department trainers
The players wrecked it and that is how to address it

The players are being sent home as well aren't they?

[Grantysghost]

The 100K needs to come out of their salary cap not dropping one of the footy department trainers
The players wrecked it and that is how to address it

The players are being sent home as well aren't they?

Or is it a failing of their protocols. I guess they aren't in jail, and there shouldn't be a head count like children but maybe it's a systemic failure.
Agree it should be not from soft cap either but not sure what the answer is.
They're being sent home.

[GVGjr]

Or is it a failing of their protocols. I guess they aren't in jail, and there shouldn't be a head count like children but maybe it's a systemic failure.
Agree it should be not from soft cap either but not sure what the answer is.
They're being sent home.

There is a failing of protocols like say Buckley and Sanderson and there are blatant disregarding of them like these two have
It's a huge fine and suspension so it's going to be a brave or very dumb player that these the patience of the club, competition and the state again

[Remi Moses]

I’m sure Tom Lynch would have beaten this

[The Adelaide Connection]

So Stack was on $220k before the 50% cuts. Couldn’t get a game. Likely not the most popular bloke at Richmond now.

I vote we get in his ear immediately to offer him a pay rise and a fresh start.

Richmond wants its brawling pair to pay for the club’s fine. This is why that’s not allowed
GOLD COAST - Richmond is not allowed to fine players Sydney Stack and Callum Coleman-Jones under a crucial code of conduct provision signed off by the AFL and the AFLPA.

The duo were sanctioned a combined $75,000 on Friday after they took an Uber to a Gold Coast strip club and were asked to leave at around 3.30am.

They were involved in an altercation which was caught on film by security cameras outside of a kebab shop.

Speaking on Friday afternoon from the AFL’s quarantine hub, Richmond chief executive confirmed the pair would pay the fine.

But later on Friday night, the AFL Players’ Association told foxfooty.com.au that a club sanction (of any financial amount) was not allowed under the code of conduct.

“Under the code of conduct agreed between the AFL and the AFLPA, when the AFL sanctions a player for a breach of AFL rules, a club cannot also impose a sanction on the player,” AFLPA general manager of legal and player affairs James Gallagher said.

The provision outlines that where the league responds to player conduct, the player cannot be disciplined further under that same code.

It’s understood the AFL penalty in these scenarios is handed down on the basis that there will be no further punishment.

It means that even if the Tigers wanted to penalise Stack and Coleman-Jones $500 each, they would not have the ability to do so.

The one exception to this regulation is if the player or players offer to foot the bill themselves, such as the Cotchins did in July. Foxfooty.com.au understands that is not the case.

Quizzed on the possibility for the AFLPA to challenge the fines, Gale told SEN it was a possibility.

Gale says they will deal with that if it eventuates.

“Look, I’m not sure, they might (oppose it),” he said.

“We’ll cross that bridge if we come to it.

“At the end of the day these are mistakes and very serious mistakes, but these are young men and young men mistakes and they aren’t feeling good about themselves right now so we need to put our arm around them and support them and we will.”

Based on the collective bargaining agreement (2017-2022), Stack stood to earn $110,000 after COVID-19 cuts in 2020.

Gale is a former CEO of the AFL Players’ Association. He is in the quarantine hub alongside the current boss, Paul Marsh.

[bornadog]

Wood: “Hub life galvanised us" (https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/825482)


Easton Wood is settling back into life at home in Melbourne with cuddles from his family and pet dog Murphy, following three months spent in the Bulldogs’ Queensland hub.


What started as 32 days abroad with wife Tiffany and young daughter Matilda quickly turned into the duration of the season, and while Wood says hub life presented some challenges, it was nice to see the “bigger picture” of teammates and staff.


“(Trying to switch off) was the hardest thing, because you’re surrounded and every reminder is football, but the biggest part about being closer together was that you got a real picture of not just the ‘football’ person, but a real picture of them in totality,” Wood told Whateley on SEN last week.

“For the first time you’re seeing the players, coaches and staff with their families, and you’re seeing it consistently, so that was really lovely.


“(Spending so much time together) certainly galvanised us and brought us closer together.”

Wood admits it was disappointing to fall short against St Kilda in the elimination final, after winning four of their final five games to finish seventh on the ladder.


“To actually have the hard work go into an opportunity at the holy grail and be in that position was great, but to ultimately fall three points short and leave too much work late in the game was a real shame,” he said.


“I felt the way we finished the year and the way we were playing some really good team football, felt like we were well-placed to have a good finals run.


“To not be amongst (finals) leaves a bit of a bitter taste in your mouth, but that’s the game.


“We’ll work harder over the break, and hopefully we can all do that and come back and give ourselves another opportunity and be better placed for it."