The AFL season could be affected by the ongoing fuel shortage felt across the country amid fears that sporting competitions may be impacted.
Fuel prices for petrol and diesel have skyrocketed in Australia as a result of supply chain disruptions brought on by the Iran conflict.
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Footy commentator Kelli Underwood reported on Friday that the issue was mentioned during a meeting of the AFL club chief executives during the week.
The ABC’s Ben Cameron wrote on X: “Kelli Underwood reporting on @abcsport that the fuel shortage was raised in the CEO’s meeting earlier this week.
“If rationing comes in a flying is restricted where does that leave the competition? Kelli says the GWS Giants told her today it was an issue on their radar.
“The dirty word mentioned amongst it all was hubs.”
There are concerns that if the fuel shortage continues, the federal government could enforce travel restrictions, including on air travel.
The AFL is a national competition with teams in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
A handful of other games AFL are scheduled to be played in Tasmania, Darwin and Alice Springs this year.
The prospect of an altered fixture of the return of hubs brings back memories of the Covid-affected 2020 season where clubs relocated to southeast Queensland.
All 18 teams will converge on Adelaide on April 9-12 for Gather Round.
The annual footy convention has proved to be a major hit in its three years so far, but there is the possibility some fans may not make the trip from Melbourne to Adelaide because of the cost of petrol.
AFL Fans Association Ron Issko told the ABC: “I’m wondering whether or not, as we get closer, and if the fuel prices continue to go up, some will bail.
“Which is a pity because I’ve been lucky enough to go to two Gather Rounds, and let me tell you, you guys in Adelaide, you do a magnificent job with Gather Round. It’s a great thing to go to.”
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said around 20,000 people make the drive from Victoria to South Australia for Gather Round.
“We want to make sure that there’s no question in those motorists’ minds around supply,” he said.
“They’ll be able to fill up their car with petrol just as they have in previous years.
“And we would make clear to motorists that this is not a concern that they need to factor in.
“We understand that the price is higher, and that has implications, but we are still expecting very big crowds to Gather Round.”
The AFL’s official airline partner is Virgin Australia.
This week, Qantas announced Jetstar will cut some of its critical New Zealand flights, citing a rise in the cost of jet fuel.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Australia will underwrite the delivery of additional cargoes of fuel to Australia in the biggest intervention to date to boost supply and ease shortages.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the latest figures suggested Australia had 39 days of fuel in stockpiles and 30 days of diesel – despite regional shortages.
News.com.au revealed on Friday that the PM is war-gaming multiple options, including a bombshell temporary cut in fuel excise and plans to develop a national dashboard revealing where the shortages are located.
