The AFL season kicked off tonight in the first ever game to be played in front of an empty crowd as the coronavirus pandemic forced a ban on events over 500 people.
Richmond’s beloved Tigers kicked off the season again the Carlton Blues in a game that looked like a pre-season training. Look at this. Truly wild scenes at the MCG.
Wish you were here ❤️#AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/XROVu41iEW
— AFL (@AFL) March 19, 2020
The only people in the audience? A few cops and security guards. You know, to stop the coronavirus.
One can only assume that the security guards stationed around the boundary are there to stop the Coronavirus running onto the ground.#AFLTigersBlues
— maddie (@maddiemelb) March 19, 2020
How stoked would you be to be these cops tonight #AFLTigersBlues pic.twitter.com/UCB8SQAOX0
— Isobel Chennaix (@IChennaix) March 19, 2020
For real though, why are these people here?
Ifv you ever feel useless just remember there are security guards around the playing surface at the MCG tonight #AFLTigersBlues #AFL
— Empr (@Empr_X) March 19, 2020
Some fans enjoyed the silence, allowing them to hear the players and umpires talking, instead of some dickhead with a can of VB in his hand umpiring from the grandstand.
Watching AFL without the fans is weird? I like that you hear all the players talking to each other? Ha ha 🏈🏈🏈🧻😅🧻
— fanofrob (@fanofrob) March 19, 2020
I kinda like watching the game without the crowd.
Can hear the players and the umps chat…it’s nicely different.
I do wonder though, how the umps will know when to call holding the ball without the crowd yelling “BAAAAAALLLLLL” at every contest. #AFLTigersBlues
— AJ 🏈🏏🏈🏏 (@AJPhillyEagle) March 19, 2020
But that sentiment wasn’t shared by everyone, with many fans missing the energy and excitement that a crowd brings.
This game is fucking boring. AFL with no crowd is not nice to watch.
— Kath (@Kathblue) March 19, 2020
I must say, tonight’s footy is really hard to watch. Crowds really do make things exciting. #AFL #NRL
— Kendrick Louis (@kendrickjlouis) March 19, 2020
Naturally, fans online were quick to come up with ideas on how to bring back the footy spirit. As a regular at my hometown local footy, I am a firm believer that there is simply no reason to attend a game if you can’t beep your horn when somebody kicks a goal.
https://twitter.com/AaronGocs/status/1240556172433698817
Another truly *chefs kiss* idea is an AFL version of Gogglebox, so we can witness the celebration of every goal from the comfort of our living rooms.
Hey @FOXFOOTY, how about #Gogglebox for @AFL. Everytime a team kicks a goal, we go to the home viewers celebrating. #AFLTigersBlues
— Cappa🤪🦘 (@CraigP014) March 19, 2020
The whole game seems like a bad idea for social distancing measures. I’m not certain whether the players were tested or not, but I can confirm at least one player licked his own hands, which seems like a surefire way to spread something.
https://twitter.com/TomReynolds_AU/status/1240573135352524800
Is AFL not real life? Who knows anymore.
I see afl players are sharing water bottles, does that sport live in an alternate universe? #afl
— Poppo (@BrettFo) March 19, 2020
I simply have no words. Sit down, buckle up and get ready for the wildest AFL season we’ve ever experienced.
