No hi-fives, no selfies: Footy clubs keep fans at arms' length
Western Australia's AFL clubs are contemplating drastic measures to limit the potentially devastating effect of the coronavirus pandemic.
At the season launches for the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers today, some of those measures were already evident.
The Eagles have made physical contact between players and fans off-limits – banning high-fives, hand-shakes and open training.
READ MORE: How to wash your hands to prevent coronavirus
The league has also placed extra restrictions on press conferences and post-match player interviews.
Players at today's season launch made a brief appearance, keeping their distance from the crowd. 9News
'Hopefully everyone respects the fact that we've had to do this,' Eagles coach Adam Simpson said of the new restrictions. 9News
At the Dockers launch, players like Nat Fyfe felt free to shake hands with onlookers, but fans had to forgo their chance at an autograph or selfie.
Clubs are even looking at using private jets to safeguard against higher-risk commercial flights.
READ MORE: How airlines are protecting passengers from coronavirus
And the AFL is prepared to use its $60 million emergency fund to help bail out clubs crippled by empty stadiums or cancelled games.
"There's going to need to be some strong leadership across the competition with players, coaches and CEOs, to just keep the calm," Fyfe said.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Who is most at risk broken down by age, gender and health
"We will work on the bumps as they come, and the team who wins the Grand Final will have handled this situation better than other teams."
At the Dockers launch, players like Nat Fyfe felt free to shake hands with onlookers, but fans had to forgo their chance at an autograph or selfie. 9News
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
