North Melbourne coach Scott Gowans would be open to cramming matches into the next few days if it means being able to crown an AFLW premier this season.
A hastily revamped women’s finals series was last week brought forward by league officials amid fears the coronavirus crisis would call a premature end to the 2020 campaign.
The Kangaroos narrowly beat Collingwood on Saturday afternoon to advance to a preliminary showdown against the winner of Sunday’s Carlton-Brisbane encounter.
Gowans admitted his high performance staff might have some objections to playing too many matches in a short space of time, but felt his side could be ready to play again soon if required.
“We have our main (training) sessions on Wednesdays, so I’d imagine by Wednesday you’re ready to go again,” Gowans said.
“It is what it is. These times are really tough for everybody and I just think the AFL are doing the best they possibly can in a really difficult situation.
“It’s frustrating from an admin point of view for everyone but we’re all in the same boat.
“You’ve just got to run with it, accept it and make the best of it.
“We look at it as an opportunity and we took the opportunity today (against Collingwood).
“If there is a game next week it’s one of those situations where you’ve just got to see what happens and be guided by the people in the right places.”
The AFLW would face a major headache if tightened Government restrictions forced the season to be postponed or called off.
But Gowans feels it is important to decide a 2020 premier regardless of whether the season is completed.
“My preference would be – even if we didn’t get another game – if we somehow came up with a premier based on the results from this weekend … whatever it is, it is,” Gowans said.
“My preference would be to finish it however it finishes from now.
“If we get the next two weeks in, great, that’s fantastic. But if not, I’ll support whatever decision they come up with.”