West Coast forward Jack Darling has been outed as unvaccinated, per Channel Seven's Ryan Daniels.
The Eagles have since confirmed the report, but added they are "optimistic" Darling will eventually meet the AFL's guidelines on vaccination.
The AFL has mandated vaccination across the league for all players and support staff, with the Western Australian deadline to have had the first vaccination coming on Friday, January 21.
It means Darling, who kicked 42 goals last season and remains one of the best key forwards in the competition, won’t be able to train with his teammates from Friday until he gets vaccinated.
I’m told @WestCoastEagles star Jack Darling has failed to meet the @AFL vaccine mandate for first dose.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) January 21, 2022
From tomorrow, Darling won’t be able to train with teammates, or use club facilities unless his vaccination status changes.
All other players have met mandate.@7NewsPerth
It's understood the 29-year-old is not at training on Friday.
Darling is the third male AFL player to be revealed as unvaccinated at a time where careers are on the line. Carlton defender Liam Jones retired because of the mandate late last year, while Roo Jed Anderson has only received one dose and is also unable to train with his teammates.
The two WA clubs, as well as teams in South Australia and Queensland are required to have had their first dose by January 21 and need to be double-jabbed by February 18.
The AFL season begins on March 16.
Read West Coast's full statement below
Star West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling has not adhered to the AFL’s Covid-19 training and playing mandates and therefore – under the AFL rules – he will be unable to attend the club’s facility at Mineral Resources Park and by extension any club training sessions.
While Jack will take some time to assess his future he will train independently of the remainder of the squad.
The club will continue to support Jack as he contemplates his options and is optimistic that he will return to build on his outstanding career to date.
*While the club does respect the right to personal choice it also supports the protocols put in place by the AFL and Governments – both Federal and State – as they navigate their way through this persistent and challenging pandemic.
Neither the club nor Jack will make any further comment on the matter.