THE AFL will be suspended for at least 30 days if a player returns a positive test to COVID-19, an increase from a 14-day shutdown period outlined initially in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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AFL.com.au understands the change has been made to give the League more time to embed resilience programs into clubs in the event a player tests positive.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed the new measures speaking on radio station 3AW on Friday morning.
"We'll certainly stand down for a minimum 30 days (if there is one positive test)," McLachlan said.
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"We need to make sure our protocols are completely tight."
McLachlan said at least a couple of players throughout the competition are currently in quarantine, but that doesn't include any players or officials involved in Friday night's game between the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.
The League's shortened 17-round, 153-game season got underway on Thursday night with Richmond defeating Carlton by 24 points behind closed doors at the MCG.
Some players shook hands and embraced after the game, while players also shared water bottles during the match.
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McLachlan said more stringent measures around sharing water bottles and hygiene would be implemented.
"I've spoken to Steve Hocking this morning," he said.
"It's the first game, I think you'll forgive everyone for being a bit habitual.
"We'll get the protocols better and I think you'll see changes tonight."
