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Manuka Oval has emerged as an AFL saviour as the league's head office scrambles to piece together a competition in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The GWS Giants have been in discussions with the ACT government about venue availability with AFL officials bracing for clashes with their cricket counterparts. Just as Canberra looms as an ideal hub for interstate NRL clubs being forced to relocate to NSW, it should be raised in the discussion for the AFL's dilemma. The AFL is considering all states and territories as possible bases for isolation hubs as it attempts to restart the season, which was put on hold last month. Clubs would likely be kept in hubs for a minimum of six weeks, which could consist of a three-week training block and three weeks of matches. MORE SPORT Football codes could collide with cricket's Twenty20 World Cup in Australia in October, with existing contracts guaranteeing the latter access to the MCG, SCG, Adelaide Oval, Perth Stadium and the Gabba. The Twenty20 World Cup is scheduled to run from October 18 to November 15, which could rob the AFL of some of its major venues. It could leave the AFL searching for other grounds to use with Manuka Oval emerging as a genuine option having been the Giants' second home for the best part of a decade. The league would need to strike a deal with the government to play more games - especially those not including the Giants should discussions reach that stage - in Canberra. The Giants were to host the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval on April 3 to open the ninth season of a 10-year, $23 million deal with the ACT government to play games at the venue. Beyond that were games in Canberra on April 26 and August 1, but now officials have to settle on a new competition structure. The Giants will work with the ACT government to bring a game to Manuka Oval, but if and when that contest takes place remains uncertain with the competition's immediate future clouded by uncertainty. Manuka Oval could be deemed a venue worthy of hosting further games including other clubs should the AFL be so desperate to find adequate stadiums. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has told clubs he will be in a position to announce plans for the competition on May 11. "As soon as we get that date, that will make things a lot easier and give us a lot more certainty to plan for that," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said on ABC's Offsiders. "That's the one thing we haven't got at the moment and that's really challenging from a mental aspect. "We're working heavily with the government and the AFL are doing a great job in making sure that the environment is safe. "But from a coaching and playing point of view, we'd love a date as soon as possible. That way we can get started." The coronavirus pandemic could deny the Giants more than $1 million in ACT government funding this year, though the latter has no claim against the AFL for competition structure changes. It is understood the latter would not be required to pay a match return fee of about $400,000 plus GST per match, however a partnership plan fee of what is believed to be about $1,150,000 plus GST would be paid. The partnership fee is designed to develop the Giants' brand in the ACT via the club's academy program and community initiatives.

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