In a remarkable turn of events, the Western Bulldogs will be one of at least six AFL clubs who draw on their own funds to survive, outside of player payments, during the game’s financial crisis.

The Bulldogs have confirmed that, due to their balance sheet – which includes substantial cash reserves – they will be among what the AFL is referring to as ‘‘unassisted’’ clubs who will self fund during the COVID-19 lockdown period.

The Western Bulldogs will be among the AFL clubs who draw on their own funds to survive, outside of player payments. Credit:Getty Images

The other five clubs known to be funding their operations, besides player payments, are West Coast, Richmond, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Adelaide.

The Crows have emerged as the club who intend to borrow from their bank instead of from the AFL, revealing that they are looking to obtain a loan from the Bendigo Bank.