COVID-19 footy protocols winners after first test

AFL Barwon general manager Will McGregor is confident local football clubs are well equipped to handle positive COVID-19 cases.

McGregor praised the work of volunteers at the Inverleigh Football and Netball Club for containing a potential outbreak after an under-13 player tested positive to the disease.

Inverleigh adhered to the strict protocols that have been put in place for all clubs as part of the return to junior football and netball this weekend.

The player’s team trained separately from others at the club and most of its players and coaches have been tested in recent days, all returning negative results.

McGregor said it was an indicator that the protocols in place can work.

“The Inverleigh Football and Netball Club and particularly their junior co-ordinator (Matt Harvey) have been sensational through all of this and have followed all protocols prior to, up to and including as they were made aware (of the positive test),” he said.

“I think the fact that they did follow all the protocols showed that they were able to manage the situation very well and they have done that.

“We’re commending the football club for the way they have gone about that.

“From the understanding we have got … it was very much an isolated issue and hopefully we don’t see any further risks.”

While players up to under-17 level will return to football and netball today, the under-19 season was cancelled on Thursday.

McGregor said AFL Barwon had investigated adjusting the age groups to under-18 after the state government banned contact sport for those aged 19 and over.

But the numbers had not added up.

The planned senior women’s competition was also cancelled on Thursday.