Footy to be played over Olympic schedule: Caroline Wilson

Caroline Wilson has outlined a possible return date for the AFL under a revamped plan.

Published by
Jake Benoiton

The AFL are desperately searching for a way to restart the 2020 season in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Veteran AFL journalist Caroline Wilson has outlined a plan for the AFL to resume as early as July 24th, which could see games being played every night of the week.

With the AFL coming to and end post round one and the Olympics postponed until 2021, there is a large gap that broadcaster Channel 7 need to fill in July.

The AFL are reportedly looking at playing games on dates originally allocated for the 2021 games and Wilson believes it would suit the AFL and broadcasters really well.

"My understanding is, this is a real plan now, to run football if possible every single day over the Olympic schedule," Wilson told Footy Classified on Monday.

"It'll certainly happen when you bring Fox Footy into play. Games will be played in the day and at night. Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday nights as well as Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon.

"Then of course when the Paralympics start, there will be more footy-free days.

"I think (a July 24 start) would suit (Channel 7 and Fox Footy) down to the ground. Maybe July 31 is the absolute latest, but I'm looking at July 24.

"Channel Seven and Fox are already talking at length with the AFL about how few possible technicians they could have in their hubs to broadcast the game."

The AFL are working through numerous ways to resume the 2020 season before providing an update on April 27th.

Published by
Jake Benoiton