“IF THIS is what we’ve got to do to keep the season rolling, the boys love playing footy: it’s a small price to pay.”
Michael Gibbons said he, the Carlton playing group and the wider football community was happy to do what they needed to for the good of the game.
The Blues arrived in their Gold Coast hub on Sunday, seven days before their Round 6 clash with the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium.
With the players to quarantine for two weeks, they will only be able to leave their hotel for training and playing.
“The boys are under no illusions that we’re here to quarantine and that’s what we’ll do… we’re still adhering to protocols,” Gibbons said.
“It’s what we’ve got to do.
“I’m not too fussed about the quarantine, it forces the boys to hang out with me a bit more.”
Acknowledging that players had come in for criticism in recent weeks, Gibbons said it was important to “take a step back” considering the circumstances.
He said the playing group across the competition was embracing the opportunity to provide fans at home with some entertainment on weekends.
“I understand what everyone is saying and understand there’s plenty of criticism around AFL players at the moment,” he said.
“Eight or nine weeks ago, we had no footy and fans were crying out for it. I feel as though the players have made a big sacrifice coming up here, whatever way you look at it: we understand there are bigger things going on in the world.
“If we, as entertainers and professionals, can provide a little bit of joy for people, then we’re more than happy to do that and happy to take on a little bit of criticism.
“For one, we love playing the game and two, the fans love watching it. That’s how we see it.”
