The majority of AFL clubs are calling players back from interstate breaks in readiness for a possible season restart next month.
There is growing optimism that the 2020 competition – which was put on hold in March after just one round – could resume by the end of June.
The AFL has floated its controversial quarantine hubs proposal but is hopeful it won’t be required as part of a return-to-play plan when details are announced next week.
Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said his club had stressed to its players to make their way back to Melbourne.
“There’s certainly, across the industry, the suggestion that we should get organised,” Gordon told SEN Breakfast on Monday.
“That’s true for the Bulldogs’ interstate players as much as anyone else’s.”
Brisbane and Gold Coast have told their players to head back to Queensland after the state government last Friday eased COVID-19 restrictions.
North Melbourne’s interstate contingent will return to Victoria this week and Hawthorn have called back their relatively small group.
Carlton are set to deliver instructions to their playing group on Monday.
West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide and Port Adelaide face possible disadvantages because of Western Australia and South Australia’s tighter interstate travel controls, with concerns that returning players might have to spend 14 days in quarantine.
As clubs eagerly await an official restart date, Gordon backed the AFL’s decision to limit all clubs to training in groups of two for the time being.
It follows consternation from some clubs based outside Victoria, including Port Adelaide’s Tom Rockliff accusing the AFL of bias toward the Victorian clubs.
The two WA clubs had been hopeful of training in larger groups after the state government last week lifted the local limit on outdoor gatherings to 10 people.
Clubs in South Australia and Queensland are operating under similar local rulings.
But the AFL stepped in to ensure the 10 Victorian clubs were not disadvantaged by different restrictions in different states.
AFL football boss Steve Hocking stressed all 18 teams must abide by initial rules where players can only train with one other person.
“There’s obviously a considerable competitive advantage to be able to train together and I think it’s fair that the AFL regulate that so that there’s equity across the players in the competition,” Gordon said.
Clubs are hopeful that further easing of government restrictions could allow them all to train in groups of six to 10 players next week.