AFL chief executive has sent a stern message to misbehaving Queensland hub attendees after reports WAGS, media and staffers were flaunting COVID-19 protocols while having a debaucherous time on the Gold Coast.

An overflowing bar, an oasis pool resembling the Bali’s Bounty during schoolies and a pair of Richmond Tigers far too deep into Surfers Paradise culture sent the AFL boss over the edge.

On this week’s episode of The Duff and Quarters Podcast The West Australian’s chief footy writer Mark Duffield and The Sunday Times’ Glen Quartermain understand McLachlan’s frustrations but question the need for so many people in the hub to begin with.

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“Why are there 400 is number one,” Quartermain said to open today’s podcast.

“It beggars belief that there are 400 people there weeks out from a finals series, it doesn’t take that many people to run a competition.

“When we are in financially straightened times, people are losing their jobs at AFL clubs and they're up there it’s not two steps from Caligula.

On Saturday McLachlan reportedly was shocked by the behaviour of the guests in the AFL transition hub at the Mecure Resort on the Gold Coast.

While a message that no further breaches or bending of hub protocols will be tolerated, Duff and Quarters think the optics aren’t great for the Queensland government’s guests.

“It’s party central up there, I’m led to believe there’s been the riot act read,” Quartermain continued.

“It’s just not a good look when we are punishing clubs for breaking COVID-19 protocols and we’re inside this hub and it’s party central.

“I can tell you the riot act has been read by AFL CEO Gill McLachlan,” Duffield replied.

“It’s been read to the clubs in the wake of the Richmond fiasco last week and it’s been read to the media who I’ve been told are at the bar drinking it up.”

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