There’s hardly an Australian that hasn’t been affected by the current fuel shortage plaguing the country, but there are now fears that major sporting competitions, including the AFL, could also be impacted.  

Just a week after the AFL club CEOs grilled Andrew Dillon on the future of Opening Round, the fears of fuel rationing have now been raised, in particular by the GWS Giants.

On Friday, the ABC’s Kelli Underwood reported that it had been discussed at CEO level how the competition could be impacted, if restrictions are introduced on flying. 

There are fears that in order to preserve the country’s current fuel levels, the government could introduce restrictions to travel, specifically on flying.

MORE: Collingwood midfielder learns fate for strike on Clayton Oliver

With the AFL being a national competition, this could create an obvious disaster for the league, with clubs flying all over the country on a weekly basis.

The league was able to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing hubs to restrict travel and ensure games went ahead, although the fixture was shortened in 2020. However, it goes without saying that no one wants to go back to that. 

On the bright side, it’s possible Gather Round could be coming at an ideal time, with all 18 clubs set to be playing in South Australia in a fortnight’s time for the fourth annual instalment of the fixture.