AFL players have voted to start the season this week following a meeting of over 800 players on Monday night, according to multiple reports.
AFL Players' Association CEO Paul Marsh and a medical expert on COVID-19 spoke in the meeting which presented numerous options to the group, but the majority of players believed that playing the opening round of the season this week behind closed doors is the best way forward.
The Herald Sun reports that no vote was held but a survey was handed out before any decisions to play this weekend were made.
With the league cutting back to 17 games amid the coronavirus crisis, the players could be forced to take a 20 per cent pay cut to reduce the losses that are expected to hit the AFL and all 18 clubs.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Monday afternoon that all options were being considered to play out the season, including pushing into the summer months if needed.
With the league set to continue with no fans, McLachlan admitted that the situation is ever-changing. McLachlan also confirmed that if a player test positive for coronavirus in the coming weeks and months, the season will be paused for at least a fortnight.
Richmond and Carlton are currently scheduled to open the season on Thursday night at the MCG
