GWS Giants stay with Albury relocation plan for women’s squad amid state border closures due to coronavirus, COVID-19

However, on Friday, a Giants spokesman said the AFLW side would carry on as planned with the move to Albury.

But because of the border closure, it remains unclear if they can enter Victoria without enduring hotel quarantine after spending 14 days in Albury.

The plan was to then play a practice match in Victoria on the weekend of January 16-17 before going to Western Australia for their first game of the AFLW season, against Fremantle on January 31.

The second leg of that plan has also been thrown into uncertainty with Western Australia closing its border to Victoria on Thursday.

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The Giants are hoping that Victoria loosens its border closure with NSW in the next 14 days to allow border communities and/or regional NSW residents back into the state.

That would at least open the possibility of fixture changes so that the Giants could play Victorian teams to open their season (instead of the Dockers) should the WA border also remain shut.

There is also the possibility of hubs for the AFLW season but this is more difficult than with the men’s season because most women’s players work other jobs while juggling football commitments.

The AFL is approaching 2021 the same way it did 2020, with the understanding that plans can change quickly because of COVID-19, and that they may have to change just before the season begins, or even during it.

An AFL spokeswoman said: “We will continue to monitor the situation and will be led by the government and health officials when adapting to the changing environment. We are committed to the season and will adjust accordingly as required.”

Meanwhile, Sydney and GWS’ AFL sides plan to commence training on January 6, as initially scheduled, pending any changes to rules about group gatherings in NSW.

AFL and AFLW players on holiday in NSW or visiting family – like any Victorian currently in the state – were on Thursday and Friday rushing back to Victoria to avoid spending 14 days in quarantine.