Could COVID play havoc with the latter half of the AFL season? AFL journalist Mitch Cleary says some clubs are concerned.
Sydney had their own issues over the weekend, with Justin McInerney and Harry Cunningham both testing positive, while coaches were also sidelined.
Swans coach John Longmire revealed post game that CEO Tom Harley took over as their bench coach, injured midfielder Josh Kennedy was their stoppage coach and their football manager took over running duties to cover absences.
This is on top of already stretched football departments.
With COVID immunities from the summer wearing off, Cleary revealed clubs are wary it could once again become a factor.
“I think we’re right in the hitting zone now. Remember back last December when the Swans had a dozen players go down on a boat cruise with COVID, that was a big talking point of the off-season,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“Now six months on there are concerns at club land that players could receive it for a second time.
“I’ve checked with a few clubs over the weekend, there are a few players at clubs that have been diagnosed with COVID for a second time.
“The Swans, six months on, two players on the weekend in Justin McInerney and Harry Cunningham receiving COVID, I’m not sure if those players got it for a second time, but we are right in the window now where a lot of players had it in the off-season and clubs are worried we could be looking at COVID implications for a second time around given the immunity is starting to wear off from the first time.”