The AFL are locked in discussions surrounding the controversial pre-finals bye, with AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan admitting it could be scrapped.
It comes as the COVID situation continues to cause uncertainty in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, while other states, have or, will be likely to shut borders.
Victoria's lockdown has been extended by another week, and while the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the preferred host of the decider, there is no guarantee the game will be played there.
Players have been audible about wanting to play in front of crowds during the month of September if it is at all possible, but with the AFL currently undecided on the date of the decider, it may well be best to play the season as quickly as possible.
It's understood a decision may not be the made by the AFL until late next week.
When quizzed, McLachlan said there was certainly support for the position.
โI think thereโs support for the position. I wouldnโt say itโs all 100 per cent, or unanimous, but I genuinely feel people understand the logic and are supportive,โ McLachlan said.
โI donโt want to represent all the coaches and all the footy clubs but Iโve spoken to a number (of them). Broadly thereโs an incredible understanding and Iโm very thankful to our coaches and footy departments and clubs.
โWe have, I think, got a great deal of mileage and kept the momentum going by keeping on playing.
โSo thatโs the feedback at the moment โ earlier the better, but I think we understand weโre waiting every day and looking what happens in Victoria and in other states. I mean, Queensland has opened up a bit.
โSo I think our clubs now understand, our supporters now do, that every day seems to count in this environment and theyโre giving us that leeway."
