But the straight-shooting boss maintains there's no chance the club will ask players to take pay cuts, despite the fact it would help the 'bottom line' with no crowds allowed under Victoria's COVID restrictions for Saturday's crucial home game against Wangaratta Rovers.

Speculation is strong that there will be no crowds again for at least the following week, when the Saints host another potential crowd-pulling game against undefeated Albury.

"We'll probably lose about $20,000 for the three games and the reason I say that is we're going to honour the contracts," Wales explained.

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"I just think it's a bit of respect back to players, the salary cap went from $160,000 to $120,000, so they've already taken a hit and we'd like to be known as a club that honours contracts."

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