Touching wood for full Cats squad
GEELONG captain Meg McDonald has conceded the growing number of Covid cases in the community has altered the way players are thinking and moving ahead of the AFLW season, but she says she would not describe her way of life as being in a “bubble”.
The Cats launch their 2022 campaign on Saturday against North Melbourne and McDonald said to this point she and her teammates had largely been unaffected by Covid, despite the everpresent threat it posed to the competition.
“Bubble is probably too strong a term, but I am certainly like everyone and being cautious, and making decisions that three years ago I wouldn’t have,” McDonald said.
“I think the Christmas break was a bit of a wake-up call or an education to everyone in the public about how quickly it can spread and then the spike in numbers has been concerning for everyone. There are so many layers to it.
“I don’t want to miss football, and you don’t want to get sick.
“Everyone’s health and wellbeing is really important as well.
“Personally, I am making considerations about how I socialise …(but) they are small adjustments in reality.”
McDonald is confident Geelong will have nearly its full squad available to choose from for the clash against the Roos, a far cry from rival clubs, which still have players isolating due to Covid.
The defender said she was “touching wood” there would be no Covid issues pop up between now and game day.
“It (case numbers) has impacted us in terms of there are girls that have had to isolate and have Covid in their lives,” McDonald said.
“But it is looking – and I will touch all the wood – that everyone will be available for selection for Saturday.
“So in that sense, we looked to have timed things pretty well.
“But … we are still four days out, so we will see.”