Geelong Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield has confirmed that AFL players will do whatever it takes to ensure the 2020 season is played.

“We will play whenever is required in order to get a season away and to make sure the industry can get back and running,” Dangerfield told Channel 7 News.

The possibility of games being played within quick succession or at a central venue would be acceptable given the unique circumstances caused by the COVID-19 virus. Additional players available for each game would see the risk of injury reduced and is one possibility when the game returns.

“We will play whenever we need to in order to get the season away and if that is every four or five days because of the circumstances, then that is what it’s going to have to be,” the Cats triple best & fairest winner said.

“We will need a bit more support on the bench and a reduction in the length of games helps. We can’t have too many players injured because of short turn around. The fans want the best teams and best players out there so clearly we need to accommodate that the best we can.”

While there has been significant speculation as to changes to list sizes in future years, Dangerfield warned of the potential risks in such a strategy.

“We need to be careful to speculate on changes,” he said. 

“Some may see it as an opportunity to reset the game, the expectations on players is huge in terms of the physical component of the game and reducing lists a significant amount would clearly have an impact on that. 

“It’s folly to look ahead and just say we will cut 10 of every list. And I’m not sure it would be best for the game.”