Carlton coach Michael Voss has tested positive for COVID the day after the Blues’ round one win over Richmond.
Key points:
- Assistant coach Ashley Hansen will fill in for Michael Voss in Carlton’s game against the Bulldogs next Thursday
- All other members of Carlton’s playing group and staff have returned negative tests
- The AFL is determined to continue without interruption in 2022, even as COVID cases emerge
Voss, player Jack Martin and two other Carlton staff members tested positive today and have entered the AFL’s health and safety protocols, putting them in isolation for seven days.
Voss will not be able to coach next Thursday night’s game against the Western Bulldogs. Assistant coach Ashley Hansen will fill in.
The Blues said all other players and staff returned negative tests today.
“Importantly, Michael, Jack and our staff are feeling well, which is the number one priority here obviously and they will now isolate for the required periods of time,” Carlton’s head of football Brad Lloyd said.
“All had tested negative prior to interacting with the football program, however by today all four had returned a positive result.
“The impact of COVID-19 is still clearly a reality that we remain mindful of, so we will make the necessary adjustments, adapt and remain focused on our goal for the next week – which is preparing for a strong performance next Thursday night.”
A number of players around the league will miss their team’s opening-round games due to COVID infections, but in 2022 the AFL is determined to avoid interruption.
Chief executive Gillon McLachlan has stated there will be no rearranging of fixtures and almost certainly no interstate hubs for teams, even as cases emerge among players and staff.
All AFL clubs have COVID contingency lists of players from affiliated state league teams that they can call on should a certain number of players be unavailable for a game.
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
