Adelaide has made the call to move dual premiership defender Deni Varnhagen to their inactive list.
Vocally against the COVID-19 vaccinate, Varnhagen evidently will not meet the AFL’s mandate leaving the Crows with no choice but to move on.
They will have the opportunity to replace her on their AFLW list.
Adelaide coach Matthew Clarke told SEN earlier in the week that the club’s stance on the vaccine was fully in line with the AFL’s.
“The club is pretty clear. We’re really promoting vaccination. We think it’s really important for the community and our industry,” he said on SEN SA Breakfast.
“The club’s position is really clear and it falls into line with the AFL and on November 19th if anyone in the playing group or the footy department aren’t vaccinated, they won’t be able to be part of the program anymore. It’s pretty straightforward.”
Varnhagen attended a rally for nurses against the vaccine mandate last weekend, reiterating her stance.
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the defender’s mind was made up.
“The AFL’s initial vaccination deadline is still a fortnight away however, Deni has made it well known she is against vaccination in this instance,” Silvers said.
“We have a team-first approach and the timing of this decision has been made in the best interests of the team and its preparation for the upcoming season.
“Our Club supports the League’s policy and we strongly encourage people to be vaccinated for the benefit of community health and safety.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank Deni for the significant contribution she has made to our women’s program over the past five seasons.”
She’s currently the only AFL or AFLW player confirmed as inactive due to COVID-19, though St Kilda has not yet confirmed their AFLW players’ vaccination status and star midfielder Georgia Patrikios has stepped away from the side.
Every other Crow is on their way to being fully vaccinated.