LUKE Beveridge has revealed his players’ “union stance” scuppered the AFL’s attempt to schedule a bumper Western Bulldogs-Sydney clash on Friday night next week.
There are major fixture headaches for the AFL as it attempts to work within the various state government COVID-19 restrictions and border closures to keep the season rolling.
All 18 clubs are currently stationed in Victoria, with the Swans to remain there until at least after their meeting with the Bulldogs in round 17.
The league approached the Dogs to play the fixture on the Friday following this Sunday’s meeting with North Melbourne.
It would have meant a second five-day break for the Bulldogs, who took on West Coast and the Kangaroos with a short break in between in rounds two and three.
It would also have meant a second five-day break for Sydney, who take on West Coast in Geelong this Sunday and played against Richmond and Essendon in a short time frame in rounds three and four.
Under the AFL Players’ Association’s collective bargaining agreement with the league, each club is only allowed one five-day break during the season.
“We took it to our players and they were prepared to do it,” Beveridge said.
“It was going to be another five-day break and we’ve already had one.
“The PA had negotiated just the one five-day break during the course of the year.
“Our players, as much as they were willing to do it, ultimately took a union stance and said, ‘No, for the future it’s one in, all in here’.”
The Bulldogs-Swans match, scheduled to be played at Marvel Stadium, is now likely to be held on the Saturday or Sunday in Round 17.
Beveridge lamented the hurdles the AFL faces with having all 18 clubs based in Victoria for the time being while attempting to work out a rolling fixture.
“The PA are posturing and the alarm bells will be ringing for them about whether this is sort of a hub situation or not,” Beveridge said.
“It’s a bit of a shame, but you’ve got that union sort of mentality attached to this as well.”
Beveridge dismissed suggestions of a major advantage for the Victorian clubs that are currently allowed live and train in relatively normal circumstances.
But the 2016 premiership coach feels for the clubs who have been forced into temporary relocations in recent weeks.
The Bulldogs, too, were forced to spend last week under strict protocols in Western Australia before taking on West Coast at Optus Stadium.
“You sort of feel for the teams who have, in a mad rush, left their homes and partners and kids and friends behind,” Beveridge said.
“Hopefully for their sake it all settles pretty quickly and we don’t finish the year like this.
“But I’m sure that they would’ve all taken it in their stride and they’re looking forward to their next opponent.”
(C) AAP 2021
