AFL match scuttled by virus bombshell
SPORT
Conor McKenna during Essendon's training session on Friday. Inset: AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan
ESSENDON’S AFL match with Melbourne today has been postponed after Bombers star Conor McKenna tested positive for COVID-19.
McKenna, who returned from his native Ireland last month, was due to feature for the Bombers in their Round 3 clash at the MCG. AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed the match was postponed at a press conference at the MCG yesterday.
“Essendon player Conor McKenna returned a lowgrade irregularity yesterday after being tested as part of our COVID-19 protocols,” McLachlan said. “He was tested again today and we were informed this afternoon that the test came back (positive).
“The health department has been notified as per the protocols and we will be working with (them) to identify close contacts and isolate them.
“At the moment all players and football department staff have been told to isolate until that work is done.”
McLachlan revealed McKenna had been tested five times while in hotel quarantine on his return from Ireland and had returned negative results each time. McKenna was kept away from a training session yesterday morning after returning the irregularity on Friday.
“He was tested on Wednesday and was negative and there was such a low level in his test on Friday that it came up as an irregularity,” McLachlan said.
“And then it was a positive test (yesterday) morning.
“So based on those facts, he’s picked it up this week here in Australia. But again, I will defer to the health department. They are the facts as we know them.”
It remains unclear when the Melbourne game will be played or even if Essendon will be allowed to play their Round 4 clash against Carlton at the MCG.
“I don’t have an answer (yet) but what I do know is we have time and flexibility,” McLachlan replied, when asked about rescheduling the match. “Whether we compress the season or whether there ends up being a bye ...
“It’s why we’ve got this rolling four-week fixture and shorter quarters, so we’ve got the flexibility to deal with this.” Starting times for today’s other matches, both at Metricon Stadium, were moved following the postponement.
Gold Coast and Adelaide’s clash will move from 1.05pm to 2.35pm (NT time), while Fremantle and Port Adelaide’s match starts at 7.40pm, two hours later than originally scheduled.