Players say they will play for free to fight coronavirus crisis

Yarrawonga president Ross Mulquiney suggested in Monday's edition of The Border Mail that all leagues might have to implement no pay for possibly two seasons.

He also indicated that could stretch to others, such as coaches and umpires.

A player poll on Monday asked 15 players whether they would play for free and all said yes.

"Definitely and I think this could fix country footy," one veteran said.

"Because the club won't have any money, guys will play for the enjoyment of the game again, like we used to do when we were kids first playing the game."

Another top player agreed.

"Yes, in a heartbeat and, you know what, after having not played now for a period of time and knowing what if feels like to be missing out, I think everyone reevaluates a bit in terms of getting paid."

But some players, while supportive of the idea, suggest it would be hard to police.

"I don't know how that would work, there would be some issues around it, some clubs would still be paying players, there would be a lot of cheating going on," one said.

Meanwhile, the players were also quizzed on whether it was fair all Border and North East leagues take a 50 per cent salary cap cut.

AFL North East Border region general manager John O'Donohue suggested the move in The Border Mail on Saturday.

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Thirteen respondents said it was fair to halve the salary cap, certainly for this season (if it starts), one offered an adamant no, while another said it was too early to tell.

"Yes, if it keeps the league together, we don't want any clubs disappearing."

The O and M has a salary cap of $160,000.

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