Kick-to-kick with a disinfected footy: How AFL players will stay sharp

From afl.com.au

AFL clubs have told players they will need to disinfect footballs before and after a session if they choose to go for a kick with a teammate during the national competition’s shutdown period.

With players unable to go to clubs until at least early May while the competition is suspended until at the earliest May 31, they have been given instructions on how to handle the break while in isolation.

It is understood some players have been told by their clubs that, if they follow Government’s social distancing advice on permitted exercise, they can go to the local park in a small group to keep their skills sharp.

However, as the community and AFL tries to combat the spread of coronavirus, they will need to disinfect the ball across the session. Match balls were disinfected in last week’s round one games before the season was halted on Sunday.

Players from across the League have been taking their club’s gym equipment in recent days and setting up a place at home, with some concerned about their ability to maintain the strength gains they have made across the pre-season.

There is no set AFL-wide guidelines for players to follow over the next two months, with each club preparing fitness and conditioning programs.