AFL players happy to get shots

THE AFL is yet to encounter a player who is unwilling to be vaccinated for Covid-19 ahead of the 2022 season as clubs reach first-dose vaccination levels above 95 per cent.

The league is preparing its vaccination policy after the heavy lifting was done by the Victorian government on Friday when it declared all authorised workers would need proof of double vaccination to work by November 26.

That policy governs only Victoria but it means any AFL player or official who steps foot in the state must be vaccinated to continue their employment.

The AFL players’ union is discussing what would happen to the contracts of any player who refused to be vaccinated for medical or moral grounds.

But after an intensive AFL education program, the league and AFLPA are yet to encounter a player who is unwilling to be vaccinated.

North Melbourne players will be fully vaccinated by October 19, and clubs are reporting figures in the high 90 per cent for first doses for players.

There are no holdouts yet, unlike the NBL which has had three players with contracts torn up or who have chosen not to play the upcoming season due to vaccine hesitancy.

If a player refused to be vaccinated, agreement must be reached about whether their contract could be terminated or whether they could step out of football for a year as the pandemic eased.

Some club staff have had relatives who have had adverse reactions to vaccines.

The league’s players are back at their clubs for pre-seasons from mid-November, by which stage it is accepted they will all be fully vaccinated so they can enter club facilities.

The AFL’s policy will cover all players and officials, with the league on Friday stating it was working on proof of vaccination for players.

“The AFL is awaiting formal Government directions on next steps and the AFL will work with Clubs, the AFLPA and the broader AFL industry in the coming period so that we are ready for this important change.”