The City of Ballarat has declared Mars Stadium "open for business" as the AFL looks to develop a way out of the COVID-19 crisis.
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It's understood the league is looking to resume play with the introduction of a hub or hubs, with Victoria a strong chance to host players and matches given its world-class sporting facilities.
City of Ballarat director of community development Neville Ivey said Mars Stadium could be used by the AFL, particularly if the season needed to run later into the year than usual.
"Mars Stadium is certainly open for business and available for AFL football this season. We are not sure what the revised fixture will look like but we will do our best to accommodate any request from the AFL," Ivey said.
"The stadium has the advantage of being available into the summer for football. We don't have cricket on the ground so AFL can be played any time of the year. If there was a requirement for the AFL to extend its season past September then Mars Stadium would certainly be available to host additional matches."
The stadium was booked to host Western Bulldogs home games against the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide. The matches had been originally set down for May 9 and August 15.
"There are two scheduled Bulldogs matches at the stadium this year but we cannot say yet when or if these matches will go ahead. We certainly hope they do," Ivey said.
Ivey said the ground could also be used for other matches or events.
"As a regular host venue for major elite talented pathway events, Mars Stadium will also be available for any special AFL draft related events or NAB League matches," he said.
Whether players are allowed to take families into quarantine hubs shapes as the most significant hurdle in negotiations as the AFL attempts to restart the season.
AFL Players' Association boss Paul Marsh delivered the AFL's reboot plan to the playing group on Tuesday, with the "worst-case scenario" involving footballers staying in hubs for up to 20 weeks.
The AFL will reveal its plans on May 11.
- with Shayne Hope and Anna Harrington