Thursday June 11 is shaping as a "big possiblity" for the AFL's restart, according to Channel 7'sΒ Tom Browne.
Browne is reporting that a Thursday night blockbuster between Richmond and Collingwood could reopen the season.
With Victoria easing its social distancing restrictions from Wednesday morning to allow clubs to train in groups of 10, it is believed that the AFL needs the remaining states to follow their lead.
βProfessional sport, after all it is a workplace, thereβs been a lot of work between the AFL and the public health team and we have agreed to a set of arrangements that will allow training for AFL, for rugby league, for other professional sports to resume just before midnight tomorrow night,β Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday.
βOf course with that happening, once training is up and running again, that paves the way for the AFL and other codes to make announcements.
βTraining resuming paves the way for footy to be back and I think we all want that provided its safe, appropriate and can be done in a cautious way and Iβm confident that it can be.β
The league is expected to announce their restart plans later this week.
Thursday June 11 is a huge chance for AFL restart. The AFL essentially needs states to follow Victoriaβs lead, regarding training.
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) May 11, 2020
Ok weβre beginning to cook with gas. June 11 looks a big possibility. Thursday night. Collingwood and Richmond most likely scenario - blockbuster
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) May 11, 2020
The MVRL are open to shifting Cox Plate around on the Saturday, to work in with a potential grand final. Afternoon / Night. They donβt sound too keen on the Friday night. Although I still think that would be good
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) May 11, 2020
AFL will release comprehensive testing strategy, as part of return to play. Top pathology lab engaged, covid tests up to twice per week for players and officials, Marvel to potentially host dedicated test hub, players canβt live with high risk people, limited football staff
— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) May 11, 2020