AFL planning top-up player system to battle team lists impacted by COVID-19 cases for 2022 season
The AFL is preparing a contingency plan where clubs will have the option to select from top-up players as part of the league's bid to tackle team lists impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks.
According to The Age, the AFL will ask clubs to bring in players from its state league affiliate as top-up options to ensure games are completed.
The league is hoping clubs will start identifying players - from leagues such as VFL, WAFL, SANFL and NEAFL - who can be made eligible and listed to play if the occasion arises.
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The report also states that senior AFL figures are of the "strong view" that games need to be played and completed, with postponement a lest resort for when team lists are decimated by COVID-19 cases.
The current AFLW season has struggled so far to roll out its fixture.
COVID-19 cases impacting the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney in the WAFL have led to several postponements this season.
The details on how the top-up player system will work in the AFL, as well as contracts and the effect on the salary cap, are being worked out according to the report.
It's understood the AFL is also confident West Coast and Fremantle can complete their respective 2022 seasons with minimal disruptions, should Western Australia's quarantine protocols and current border closure remain.
The AFL is working closely with the Western Australian government on establishing a smooth path for both WA clubs without having to relocate the two teams to Melbourne.
