O and M says players not being paid won't be 'silver bullet'

South Australia's top domestic competition last week made the decision to suspend payments for players, coaches and umpires in an effort to stave off further financial issues during the coronavirus.

The SANFL said it simply can't afford to pay anyone, meaning one of Australia's highest level leagues will essentially be amateur.

Its only payments are the federal government's $1500-a-fortnight JobKeeper scheme.

The SANFL resumes non-contact training on Monday, May 18, but there's still no return date.

The O and M met with AFL North East Border last Thursday night, but it's still waiting to hear from AFL Victoria about potential training protocols.

Officials are hoping to have that information by the end of this week.

The Border Mail conducted an anonymous player poll last month, asking 15 players if they would play for free to ease financial stress. All said yes.

"Whilst minimising club expenses in any way would assist in a return to play, it would need be sanctioned by AFL Vic across all community leagues to ensure a level playing field," O and M general manager David Sinclair said.

"However, this is not a silver bullet with sufficient spectator attendance still the key.

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"Once clubs start playing again a number of costs come back into play such as council fees, ground maintenance, medical supplies, uniforms (amid other potential costs).

"Therefore any return to play needs to be sustainable to ensure clubs can meet the costs involved."

Crowds are vital to community football because, unlike the elite level AFL and NRL, it's not propped up by lucrative broadcasting deals, meaning it must have crowds to not only thrive, but also survive.