Western Australia’s move to a snap five-day lockdown, and the procession of states declaring Perth, the Peel Region and the south-west as hotspots, has thrown the state’s sporting teams into a scramble to ensure their seasons can continue.
Those teams currently on the road are being forced to stay living out of suitcases for their immediate futures.
For those teams currently in Western Australia, the issue is getting out of the state — especially when they have matches fixtured and potential quarantines to contend with.
AFLW season in chaos
West Coast and Fremantle both opened their AFLW seasons in Perth, but their scheduled matches in Adelaide on Saturday and Sunday respectively have been postponed, with no rescheduled dates named.
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The South Australian Government closed its borders to WA late on Sunday night, asking travellers to quarantine for 14 days.
Adelaide and GWS, who played in WA this weekend, both travelled back to Adelaide yesterday. The Crows are subsequently undertaking their mandatory 14 days of quarantine in Adelaide, while the Giants are able to fly to Sydney on Monday due to the New South Wales Government opting against declaring Perth a hotspot.
However, the Giants players have to isolate in their homes in New South Wales until Friday at 9pm and are not allowed out to exercise.
The reshuffle could potentially throw the AFLW season into chaos, with late changes to travel and fixturing almost certain.
The issue is being handled but the AFL which says “the health and safety of everyone in the game and in the wider community remains the priority and the AFL will continue to be led by government and health officials”.
Many players have jobs outside of football, meaning going into quarantine for the sake of a football game would create a significant logistical issue for the players.
The lockdown also affects the two men’s teams, with training at the Dockers Cockburn headquarters and the Eagles Lathlain base suspended for the rest of the week, with the players not exempt from the state’s lockdown.
Players are limited to spending one-hour outside for exercise, along with the rest of the community.
NBL issues for the Wildcats
The Perth Wildcats’ NBL season was already heavily affected by COVID-19 before this latest lockdown.
Ahead of the season starting, the Wildcats found themselves stranded in Brisbane during that city’s snap three-day lockdown, which saw the WA government close the border with Queensland.
They were granted an exemption to return to WA, but missed the opening round of the season while serving a 14-day quarantine.
They managed just two games before concerns about the virus prevented one opponent, New Zealand Breakers, from travelling to Perth, which forced the postponement of their clash on Sunday, January 31.
Their next match, on Friday, February 5, has also been postponed.
Now, the Wildcats will fly to Sydney — the border between WA and New South Wales is still open — on Monday.
“The Wildcats will temporarily relocate so they can continue to train and play,” NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.
“We thank all of the Perth players, coaches and staff for their support in what is obviously a challenging time for everyone.”
Perth Scorchers lose home ground advantage
In terms of sides at the business end of their season with the most to lose from the lockdown and its consequences, the Perth Scorchers are probably the hardest hit.
They were scheduled to return to Perth last night, but cancelled their flight as news of the lockdown broke.
Instead, they will play their Big Bash preliminary final against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday at Manuka Oval in Canberra, not their fortress Perth stadium.
The Scorchers records at the two grounds could not be more stark.
They are unbeaten in Perth this season, winning four straight games at the venue, while they were comprehensively beaten in their three outings at Manuka, losing twice to the Sydney Sixers and once to the Sydney Thunder.
It is unlikely to get easier, with the Heat boasting a 2-2 record at the ground this season.
The silver lining for the Scorchers is reduced travel and news that the final, if they progress that far, will be played at the SCG — the ground’s first game this Big Bash season.
Perth Glory set for more disruption
Perth Glory’s men’s and women’s sides have also been caught up in the lockdown.
The W-League side has two games scheduled in Victoria this week.
They are meant to play Melbourne City on Thursday, and Melbourne City on Sunday — but it seems unlikely those games will go ahead.
The Glory is waiting for clarity from Football Australia as to what arrangements will be made.
The A-League side is currently on the road, and face Adelaide United at Hindmarsh stadium in Adelaide on Friday night.
They then have an eight-day break before they are scheduled to play Melbourne Victory at home on February 13.
