Question AFL boss can't answer on looming season: WWOS

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Question AFL boss can't answer on looming season Mar 17th 2021, 01:46, by wwos AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has welcomed a 'return to normality' on the eve of the season start, but refused to confirm an increase in crowd capacity in weeks to come. "I know so many supporters, members, and people involved in our game are getting back to normality," he said at the 2021 season launch at the MCG. Currently, the MCG is capped at 50,000 (roughly 50 per cent of capacity) for Thursday night's game between defending premiers Richmond and Carlton. "My kids have footy training this week, then tomorrow night I'll be here and we'll have that siren, and that roar, and we'll have a pie and a beer and hang out," McLachlan said. "I'm just excited to get the rhythm of our community back. "Our community is smart and they knows what's safe. The basic rule is 'stay in your seat' - you can go to the bathroom, you can go and get something to eat and do all that." He said that people could stand up and cheer and enjoy the release that live sport provides, but that they had to stay in one spot. "Let's be clear. Go to the football, stand up and celebrate and yell when you can. But understand the overlay we're in. Minimise your moving around," McLachlan said. McLachlan will hold meetings with experts after this weekend's games to analyse fan behaviour, in regards to whether the capacity at games can expand as the season progresses. "I'm optimistic that the behaviour of our supporters will be right and if community transmission stays where it is, then numbers can come up," he said. He said he was hopeful, but couldn't guarantee an increase for the second round of the league. "I'm optimistic but it's not our decision," he said. McLachlan also stopped short of guaranteeing a full house for the annual ANZAC Day clash between Essendon and Collingwood. "I would really really love a full house, absolutely." He also dismissed any potential return for half-time AusKick games in the near future. "Not for a while, whether that's possible through the year I don't know," he said. "It's about balance ... The priority is the health and safety of our community." For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here! Media files: pickerImage.jpg

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