JETS captain Nigel Boogaard didn't enjoy having a long cotton bud shoved down his throat and up his nose.
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On Tuesday, Boogaard and his teammates will watch a webinar on the protocols and hygiene measures they must adhere to.
Come Wednesday, they will arrive at training, fully dressed and ready to go. As soon as training is finished, they will jump in their cars and leave. No shower. No chitter-chatter.
Welcome to the A-League post COVID-19.
The Jets, separated into groups of three, were tested for COVID-19 on Monday.
"It wasn't great. They stick a long cotton bud down your throat and then straight out of your throat and up your nose," Boogaard said. "It was quite invasive. It was quite funny watching a few of the other boys get tested."
Football Federation Australia finalised a renumeration deal with the players' union on Monday, which included extending existing contracts until August 31.
While the financial terms remain confidential, FFA chief executive James Johnson confirmed players had agreed to a reduction in their pay for the additional three months.
Reaching an agreement with Fox Sports is the remaining hurdle. Talks are ongoing with the pay TV operator, which is seeking a reduction in its $57 million-a-year deal.
"We are obviously happy that FFA and the PFA (players' union) were able to come to an agreement," Boogaard said. "The players understand where the game sits at the moment. Although we are not entirely happy with where it fell, we know we have an obligation to the game to get back out there and play."
FFA is aiming for a July 16 resumption to the competition, which has been suspended since March 24. A schedule for the remaining 27 regular season matches and a one-week finals campaign will be released if a deal can be reached with Fox.
"Fingers crossed FFA and Fox Sports can sort things out," Boogaard said.
Boogaard dismissed a report on a football transfer website that he was interested in a move to the Indian Super League next season and said his focus was on finishing the season strongly with the Jets.
"You'll find the majority of the boys are in good shape," Boogaard said. "The impetus we got with the good result against Melbourne City was proof that we are good enough to make a decent run in these four games. That was underlying motivation for everyone to keep fit."
With coach Carl Robinson and his assistants overseas waiting to return, former assistant Craig Deans and strength and conditioning coach Brice Johnson will conduct training.
"I assume we will be picking up where we left off," Boogaard said. "Brice is in regular contact with the gaffer and Deansy had us previously. The gaffer may want to advance his way of coaching and playing style. We have enough time to implement and achieve that. If everyone comes back in as good a nick as we all think they will, there is no reason we can't hit the ground running."
