ST KILDA coach Brett Ratten would accept any of his players not wanting to be a part of the AFL's 'hub' solution when games resume.
The League is determined to get the season back underway after pausing it due to the coronavirus outbreak, with hubs seen as the only way it will be able to restart.
HUBS POSSIBLE IN ALL STATES Why Swans chief is pushing Sydney
Hubs could consistent of groups of teams in several locations across Australia, or simply one mega hub involving all 18 clubs.
Some players from around the competition have expressed doubt about being away from their families for an extended period, among them Adelaide skipper Rory Sloane on the weekend.
Ratten said if any of his players were not comfortable with the hubs option, which would aim to quarantine clubs together in an isolated base to ensure games can be played, then there would be no pressure on them to join.
LATEST NEWS All your COVID-19 updates here
"It's a question we have spoken about as a club. It could happen. Somebody could say, 'No, it's too hard for me mentally to leave my wife and kids, or not to see my kids', and we would respect that," he told SEN.
"At the end of the day this is a situation and a season like no other.
"The health and mental health of our people is first and foremost, so if that meant somebody said no, they won't play, well we would respect that."
Ratten is hoping for four weeks of training before games resume, but understands it could be less than that as the AFL works at warp speed to get its season back on track.
The former Carlton coach, who has taken over the reins at Moorabbin after Alan Richardson's departure last year, said he was a supporter of the plan.
"For the best interests of the game we need to play. If people have got to sacrifice a little bit to make the game work I think we have to do that, but only if we're all safe and health is at the forefront of it all," he said.
"If we have to play in hubs, then we have to play in hubs to get the game back on track. I'm very open to it.
St Kilda lost its round one clash to North Melbourne, giving up a 29-point lead at half-time to claim a two-point victory.
