“If we don’t do everything we can to reduce the number of people who get the virus then we will only add to the number of people … who end up gravely ill.

“If we don’t take all necessary steps more people will die that is not something any of us should settle for.”

The AFL has not yet asked clubs to provide a skeleton list of staff that would be required on match day for games to take place behind closed doors.

On Tuesday McLachlan flagged the prospect of games being played without crowds in Victoria if the state government banned mass gatherings to control the spread of coronavirus however at this stage all clubs are planning to play round one as normal.

Club sources suggested an AFL club would need between 55-60 essential staff,including players,for a match to take place behind closed doors with players joined by coaches,medical staff including doctors and physiotherapists,trainers,analysts and information technology staff,and property stewards to play on game day.

However by Friday there had been no move by the AFL to ask clubs to submit a list although preliminary planning for the games without fans is well underway at AFL House and within clubs with many minimising contact between football and administration departments.

On Thursday the AFL informed media of the policy they will implement for both AFLW and AFL games in relation to access to players and coaches for games with crowds.

That policy would be likely to be altered further if games were played without crowds with the AFL and government determining who could access the stadium.

VFL practice matches are being played behind closed doors this weekend and clubs will conduct closed training sessions where possible.

The AFL also remains uncertain as to whether any bans on mass gatherings - if implemented - would apply nationally.