South East Queensland shapes as a potential temporary home for West Coast and Fremantle as the AFL nears an announcement on restarting the 2020 season.

Temporary relocation appears the only option if the Eagles and Dockers are unable to secure state government exemptions that would allow them to fly in and out of Western Australia without completing mandatory 14-day quarantine periods.

The Eagles are eyeing a temporary move to the Gold Coast to train, then play if WA borders remain shut for an extended period of time, while Fremantle could potentially join them in the region.

An announcement on return to train and play dates is expected on Thursday, with players hopeful of games resuming by June 11.

The AFL is negotiating with the South Australian government for an exemption to 14-day mandatory isolation periods for Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

It is also continuing negotiations with state governments in a bid to secure a prompt, uniform return to full training.

As South Australian and Western Australian clubs are yet to receive state government exemptions that would allow them to start full-contact training, players across the league are restricted to training in pairs.

Victorian clubs have a state government exemption to return to full training while clubs in NSW and Queensland are certain to receive allowances in line with those granted to their NRL counterparts.

The AFL ordered all players and staff to undergo coronavirus tests this week, with many Victorian-based groups heading to a drive-through clinic at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.

Players also met with AFL Players’ Association boss Paul Marsh.

As part of strict return-to-play rules, players have been banned from featuring in their affiliated second-tier competitions like the VFL, SANFL and WAFL.

The AFL is considering allowing players not selected for games to participate in scratch matches against other AFL clubs in a controlled environment.

Meanwhile, clubs have been told to reduce football department spending by 40 per cent, while staff numbers will be capped at 24 and must include a doctor, player development manager and psychologist.

Clubs stood down the majority of their staff when football was suspended and the reduced numbers mean some of those will not return when full training resumes.

AFL Coaches Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw said all coaches had expressed to him their concerns about the size of the cuts if they become permanent.

“The risk is certainly an inferior environment and an inferior product,” he told SEN radio.

“There are plenty (of players) who wouldn’t be there (in the AFL) without the use of tough love and support.”

Gold Coast chief executive Mark Evans was optimistic completing a 17-round season would allow for the majority of football staff to return in 2021.

Meanwhile, any hopes Hawthorn and North Melbourne had of hosting games in Tasmania this year appear to be fading due to the reluctance of the state’s government.

“My view is that we simply won’t be able to accommodate the AFL under our current border restrictions,” Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein told reporters.

“I don’t think any Tasmanian would want me to risk that.”