AFL to educate unjabbed

THE AFL and its clubs will continue to provide further education to the “handful” of staff from Victorian clubs who are yet to have their first Covid vaccine dose ahead of Friday’s state government deadline.

It is understood the overwhelming majority of authorised workers from the AFL and AFLW programs, as well as other football staff, have already received either their first or second dose.

Only a very small number have so far not received their first jab, which would preclude them from being recognised as an essential worker from Friday onwards.

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews this month announced a mandate that all authorised workers required at least one Covid vaccination before October 15. All essential workers will be required to be fully vaccinated by November 26.

The AFL held discussion with the clubs this week in an effort to find out more about their players and staff.

They believe only a “handful” of an estimated almost 2000 authorised workers are yet to have their first dose.

A few of those believed they may have had an exemption, but that has not proven to be the case.

The AFL has been active in encouraging its clubs to ensure their players and staff are following the state government’s health protocols.