News Hardwick wants AFL return date ASAP

[THE THIN MAN]

Damien Hardwick would be prepared to take Richmond to an interstate hub in order to reboot the AFL season.

The Tigers' dual premiership coach admits it has been difficult to navigate training schedules without an official end date for the competition's coronavirus shutdown in sight.

But he believes the defending premiers could be up and running for competitive matches with as little as two weeks' serious training.

"As long as everyone's off the same start point, I think we'll be OK," Hardwick told ABC's Offsiders on Sunday.

"I can't see us going into a three or four-week training block to start the season.

"I think our players would (need) two weeks maybe and then get the game up and going."

The AFL is considering all states and territories as possible bases for isolation hubs as it attempts to restart the 2020 season after putting it on hold last month.

Clubs would likely be kept in hubs for a minimum of six weeks, which could consist of a three-week training block and three weeks of matches.

Most states have already declared their interest in hosting a hub, with Queensland and Western Australia both firming as potential bases after announcing on Sunday that some restrictions would be lifted in the coming week.

But WA Premier Mark McGowan declared the state will not pay to lure the AFL after showing its commitment to the competition already through the building of Optus Stadium.

Leading football figures in New South Wales and South Australia have pushed their states' cases, while interest in using Tasmania as a base has seemingly cooled.

"I think we just want to get the game up and going and we're prepared to do (anything)," Hardwick said of the prospect of moving his team interstate for an extended period of time.

"This is me speaking. We haven't had the real conversation with our players as such because a lot will depend on the AFLPA and their decision-making."

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has told clubs he will be in a position to announce plans for the competition from May 11.

The more cautious approach is in contrast to the rival NRL's timeline, with rugby league's premier competition set to resume on May 28.

Hardwick applauded the NRL's "aspirational-type leadership" in setting a return date but said he understood why the AFL was yet to follow suit.

"As soon as we get that date, that will make things a lot easier and give us a lot more certainty to plan for that," Hardwick said.

"That's the one thing we haven't got at the moment and that's really challenging from a mental aspect.

"We're working heavily with the government and the AFL are doing a great job in making sure that the environment is safe.

"But from a coaching and playing point of view, we'd love a date as soon as possible. That way we can get started."

Hardwick wants AFL return date ASAP

Damien Hardwick would be prepared to take Richmond to an interstate hub in order to reboot the AFL season. The Tigers' dual premiership coach admits it has be...

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