Whilst the AFL makes its long-awaited return for round two, Western Australian teams West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers have settled into their Gold Coast quarantine hub ahead of their first matches on Saturday.
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Bunkering down at Royal Pines Resort, just down the road from Gold Coast's Metricon Stadium, the cross-town rivals will stay in separate wings of the hotel for up to five weeks, soaking up as much of the local lifestyle they can.
"We're extremely proud the SUNS and the city of Gold Coast were able to assist in getting the 2020 AFL season back underway by providing an excellent hub option for four visiting teams," says Gold Coast SUNS CEO Mark Evans.
"We worked very hard with the AFL and with the four AFL clubs who will be based here to make sure that we could support them and encourage them to come this way."
"We said to them that if they decided to base themselves here that we'd have enough ovals and enough logistics and man support to be able to help them with their operations," adds Evans. "As a result, our home ground Metricon Stadium will host seven AFL matches over the next four rounds of the competition which will help put a big spotlight on football in the Queensland market."
"We think it will bring millions of dollars towards the local economy and it will remind the rest of Australia just how beautiful the Gold Coast region is."
With AFL's biosecurity rules limiting groups to just eight within the hub and social distancing to be practiced at all times, West Coast players have taken advantage of the freedom to leave the resort - rather than being in complete lockdown - with some renting cars for a half-day trip getting to know their new surrounds.
Surfboards and golf clubs are on hold for now however both teams are permitted to walk around the golf course at the resort. Players are hopeful of teeing off soon with talks restrictions could be lifted after round two.
This will be welcome news for West Coast players Liam Ryan, Tom Hickey, and Tim Kelly who have travelled to the Gold Coast with their families, who are no doubt keen to explore what the Gold Coast has to offer.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate says there is a real buzz around the city with the arrival of the clubs.
"The Gold Coast is the perfect place to set up a hub - our climate is perfect, we have ample accommodation and we are one of the safest cities in the world right now, with so few cases of Covid-19 recorded here," adds Tate. "We know the profile of these players in the southern states as well as in the west will ensure our city will be trending on social media across the nation as they brag about the picture-perfect days and our magnificent beaches."
Despite the absence of large crowds, Fremantle will play Brisbane Lions on Saturday at the Gabba, while the Eagles will take on Gold Coast Suns later the same day at Metricon.
South Australian teams Adelaide and Port Adelaide will travel to Queensland next week, following their local derby on Saturday at Adelaide Oval. They will be based at the Mercure Gold Coast Resort in Palm Meadows.
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Port Adelaide, West Coast, and Fremantle will play both home and away games against each other during the first part of the season before expecting to head to their respective homes in round seven.
This feature has been produced in collaboration with City of Gold Coast
Australian Associated Press