- Skyrocketing petrol prices could see attendances fall sharply
The AFL has reportedly denied speculation players could enter Covid-style ‘hubs’ in one capital city as the nation looks to navigate an ongoing fuel crisis due to the war in the Middle East.
The news comes as diesel prices have risen above $3 per litre in some parts of the country.
But in promising news for footy fans, the league could offer supporters fuel discounts as soon as South Australia’s Gather Round footy festival, which will be staged from April 9-12.
‘They (the AFL) are adamant they are not discussing hubs, it has not been discussed at any executive level,’ footy journalist Mitch Cleary told The Agenda Setters on Channel Seven.
‘But what they are looking at is ways they can subsidise and help fans get to and from games as early as Gather Round.
‘Everything’s on the table when it comes to (for example) memberships coming with fuel discounts, or ways they can help fans with carpools and buses to get to and from games – everything is on the table.
The AFL has reportedly denied speculation players could enter Covid-style ‘hubs’ as the nation looks to navigate the fuel crisis (pictured, league CEO Andrew Dillon)
The league could offer fuel discounts for supporters as soon as Gather Round, which will be staged from April 9-12 (pictured, Essendon supporters)
It comes as diesel prices have risen above $3 per litre in parts of the country (pictured, a service station in Melbourne)
‘That is what the AFL is working with the clubs on, rather than any sort of hub discussion right here, right now.’
The term ‘hubs’ will bring back bad memories for footy stars and supporters after the competition was thrown into a tailspin during the Covid pandemic.
Many teams were forced to operate out of hubs far away from their home bases, including all the Western Australian and South Australian sides, who had to operate out of Queensland for stretches of the 2020 season.
AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko told the ABC this week ‘there could be a few less [fans] than last year’ [at Gather Round] due to soaring costs at the bowser.
‘I’m wondering whether or not, as we get closer, and if the fuel prices continue to go up, some will bail,’ Issko said.
On Wednesday night, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a rare address to the nation to reassure Australians about the ongoing fuel crisis and its potential knock-on effects.
Albanese used his address to warn the coming months at home will remain difficult as the world struggles with the economic effects of the United States and Israel’s war with Iran.
‘The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that,’ Albanese said.
AFL Fans Association president Ron Issko has warned that the crisis is already impacting fans’ plans (pictured, Swans supporters at a game against the Brisbane Lions)
‘No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing. I can promise we will do everything we can to protect Australia from the worst of it.
‘These are uncertain times but I am absolutely certain of this: we will deal with these global challenges, the Australian way.
‘Working together – and looking after each other. As we always have.’
Albanese’s main message was to remain calm and not stockpile fuel.
The Daily Mail approached the NRL for comment regarding the possibility of ‘hubs’ for stars from the 17 clubs due to the fuel crisis.
