The AFL is moving closer to finalising a plan that would allow crowds to attend matches this season.
Clubs have questioned what the cost could be to ensure fans comply with restrictions as the MCG and Marvel Stadium work on plans which would allow fans back through the gates.
As the league eyes its June 11 return to playing, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said the league had an “80 per cent finalised” plan for crowds to return to the game, which has taken its cues from international sports, stadiums and health experts, including fans having their temperature taken on entry to the ground.
McLachlan is optimistic that crowds could return to football at some point this season, and declared that “we’ll be ready” if attendance is given the green light.
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“We’ll be ready when the health officers say we’re right … I think we’re in good shape,” McLachlan told the Herald Sun on Friday.
“Every day that goes past, there’s a better chance.
“This is one where I’m not going to run ahead of the health officials and governments, but I do feel that it feels like the community is doing such an unbelievable job and our officials and health officers have done such a good job.
“We’re heading in a direction where we’re getting back to life. When that looks like and if that’s possible, I don’t know.
“But we’ll be ready.”