Bombers cleared to play, two isolating

ESSENDON’S clash with Carlton will go ahead as scheduled, with James Stewart the only player deemed to have been in close contact with Conor McKenna.

The Bombers’ clash with Melbourne at the MCG last Sunday was postponed after McKenna tested positive for COVID-19 a day earlier.

There were fears several key defensive players would be forced to quarantine because they had taken part in a weights session with Irishman McKenna.

But a Department of Health and Human Services investigation has found Stewart – McKenna’s wrestling partner during a training session – is the only other player required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Stewart, who last played at AFL level in 2018 and wasn’t picked to play against the Demons, returned a negative result yesterday after the entire Essendon playing list was tested on Monday.

“The first priority is the welfare of Conor and James … the club, with support from the AFL, will ensure the players receive the proper support while in self-isolation,” AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon said yesterday. “On behalf of the AFL, I would like to thank the Department of Health and Human Services for their work undertaken and Essendon’s ability to provide thorough and detailed reporting to assist the DHHS in determining an outcome quickly.

“The protocols in place have been established, and since updated, for the sole purpose to protect the players, their families, staff and the wider community.”

Players and staff will return to the club – which has been closed for deep cleaning after McKenna’s positive test – today to prepare for Saturday night’s Round 4 encounter with the Blues at the MCG.

There had been speculation the Round 3 match against Melbourne would be rescheduled to tonight but that was ruled out by the league.

Full-contact training has now been banned at all clubs by the AFL. Clubs will be permitted to continue contact training in groups of up to nine.