AFL could return by the end of June, pending Australia continues to flatten the coronavirus curve.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman told Adelaide radio on Monday that the earliest return date would be “end of June, maybe July” but stressed he did not know a definitive date.

Chapman said players and clubs would need a minimum of six weeks preparation for the season to recommence.

“I’d only be guessing, although I think the tone has started to change to looking more likely we’re going to get the season we’re all hopeful for,” Chapman said.

“It has to be a minimum of six weeks away, getting players back to their clubs… 50 percent of them are from intertstate, there’s an isolation period automatically.

“You’ve got to get into your training routine again for at least a month.

“Now we’re talking end of June, maybe July.

“We’re going to have to play games back-to-back… there’s not going to be the luxury of seven-day breaks.”

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AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is expected to make an announcement next week regarding a return date.

And if the concept of Hub cities is explored, Chapman says Adelaide and South Australia will make an ideal candidate.

“The borders are the biggest constraints,” Chapman said.

“Given SA’s record of COVID-19, third day of no new cases, I think we’re a reasonable chance.

“I know Gill (McLachlan) and that working party are working on numerous options… (but) I’d also be confident in saying they haven't settled on anything.

“There is plenty of working to be done before finalising how it will look.”