Testing times for AFLW’s players

AFLW players and coaches are being subjected to daily rapid antigen testing before entering clubs as the league safeguards the competition against the inevitable spread of Covid.

In a practice set to be used across the AFL and AFLW competitions in the next 12 months, players started testing in recent days as part of the official start to AFLW pre-season training.

When players arrive at clubs they immediately receive the test, which includes them swabbing their own nasal cavity then returning to their cars or waiting outside the club for 15 minutes awaiting a result.

Only if the test comes back negative for Covid-19 are they allowed to enter the clubs for training and meetings.

The players are also subjected to weekly testing from the league’s official tester Dorevitch Pathology.

But the rapid antigen tests provide quick results that will lessen the likelihood of Covidpositive players spreading coronavirus or turning clubs into exposure sites.

The AFL believes there are a handful of players and staff yet to be vaccinated after Friday’s deadline for essential workers in Victoria to receive a first dose under state government rules. Those officials and players will be unable to train or enter facilities until they are vaccinated as the league and their clubs continue the education process.

North Melbourne said its entire playing, coaching and football department cohort would be fully vaccinated by November 5.

Carlton and Collingwood’s players have all had at least one vaccination with full lists available to train over the weekend.

There has been at least one AFLW player who expressed some reservations about vaccinations on Instagram over recent weeks.