It all seemed trivial, but the cancellation of an AFL match at two days' notice was an unprecedented situation that threw up numerous logistical challenges.
Match practice, Brownlow Medal implications and TV rights deals all needed to be considered in the 24 hours after the AFL's decision to call off Sunday's Adelaide-Geelong match following the tragic death of Phil Walsh.
The Cats were always going to agree with whatever was decided in regards to the game. But having had the bye in round 13, their players have been left with a 20-day break between games, with Geelong not due to play again until next Saturday night against North Melbourne.
The Cats decided to play returning Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel, Dawson Simpson and Billie Smedts in the VFL match against Casey Scorpions on Saturday, while the rest of the team had an intense training session at Simonds Stadium. They will begin preparations as usual for the Kangaroos game on Monday.
Geelong's open training session and fan appreciation day scheduled for Saturday in Adelaide was canned, with the club thanking its supporters for their understanding.
The AFL had to decide what the shortened round would mean for the Brownlow Medal. It ultimately chose to allow votes to be lodged in the eight games played this weekend, which will count towards the medal.
AFL legal counsel Andrew Dillon explained the league's call.
"The AFL has determined that all voting from the eight matches being played this round should be recognised for the individuals who poll, as they have the capacity to affect this year's result," Dillon said in a statement.
"Players from Adelaide and Geelong will have one less match to poll votes, which is unprecedented, but it is the AFL's view this is the best outcome from the available options, and it was not proper to cancel voting."
Channel Seven was left with a three-hour vacancy, having been scheduled to broadcast the Crows-Cats match on Sunday afternoon. The network has been given permission to show the Essendon-St Kilda game on two-hour delay instead. The Bombers-Saints clash will be televised live on Fox Footy from 1pm.
