Good point about McGowan - he has/is painting himself into a cornerMcGowan is going to need help to be able to change his mind without losing face and coming across as "weak" or "backing down".
Friday's national cabinet and the release of a framework which includes loosening interstate borders is one measure.
What needs to happen is NSW and VIC get a handle on their current outbreaks. If WA get to stage 3 first, there will be pressure to loosen border restrictions. If the outbreaks are under control across the eastern states, McGowan could potentially offer travel exemptions under those circumstances saying that he is satisfied that H&A games pose no great threat to citizens of WA. This also gives him a chance to stick the boot in to the Vics and those over East who "have finally got their act together".
Last week I was deeply concerned, after Fridays national cabinet, I am confident that the border will come down, if not by time the season commences, no more than 4 weeks after.
We shouldn't be concerned about 4 week hub. It is short enough to not impact the season and have the boys emotionally drained and run out of legs. In fact, it may help us by reducing travel burden and give us a good run of home games on the way home, allowing us to build momentum, something never afforded non-Victorian teams.
I don't think 'the outbreaks' in either NSW or Victoria are either high or extensive. They are not affecting the Swans or Giants or the Melbourne football teams. They are very low by world standards. Mick Malthouse made a very good point which the PM also made, we are not going to get perfection in this. If we wait for that we will have died by other causes before it happens.
I don't know why McGowan feels that he needs to stick the boot in - is he insecure? It's just petty politicking!
I am not as positive as you about a potential four week hub. I think that could kill our season off immediately. It would be especially deflating and sapping knowing that you were one of only a handful of teams that had to do it.
Even if players and coaches say it doesn't matter, it must be at the back of their minds. If every team was doing it, it would be different.