Max Gawn warns of Covid restrictions after Richmond players test positive

Three players from two different clubs have tested positive of late, as Victoria’s daily case numbers continue to hover around the 1000 a day mark.

Gawn said “every decision” to leave his house over the past two years came with the risk of potential exposure to the virus and the consequences of that.

“For some reason, that seems to have gone away,” he said on 3AW.

“But I reckon that’s going to come right back once we start training.

“I feel like the AFL might come over the top with a few different little rules, just to keep their players safe.

“10 days (isolation) out of pre-season would be lovely but 10 days out of the season could be two games, so I guess we’ve got to watch that space.”

Collingwood coach Craig McRae said he expected Covid disruption to be a feature of the 2022 season.

“We have to test daily before we get in (to the club) and there’s some mitigating risk, if you like,” he said.

“I think it’s just going to be part and parcel of the season.

“We’ve seen in the NFL players miss games and even coaches, so it’s something we’re going to have to stay on top of.”

Meanwhile, Richmond is confident premiership pair Dion Prestia and Noah Balta will be ready to report to pre-season training next month as they recover from Covid-19.

The pair are isolating at home after testing positive over the weekend and aren’t required to report back to Punt Rd until December 6.

Richmond’s medical staff are monitoring the situation with both players “totally fine” as they deal with the virus.

The Tigers’ first-to-fourth year players made a return to the training track on Monday and were joined by several of their senior teammates.

Key forward Tom Lynch, who struggled with a knee injury this season, looked in excellent condition while new recruit, former Kangaroo Robbie Tarrant, was also in earlier than required to get acquainted with his new surroundings.

Tigers premiership stars contract Covid

Earlier -

Richmond players Dion Prestia and Noah Balta are in isolation after being diagnosed with coronavirus.

All of the close contacts of the premiership winning pair have been identified and have been tested.

In a statement, Richmond Football club confirmed the Tigers’ first-to-fourth year players will be able to commence their pre-season training on Monday without disruption.

“Dion Prestia and Noah Balta have tested positive to Covid and are in isolation,” Richmond Football Club said in a statement posted online.

“Close contacts have been tested as appropriate.

“It will not interrupt the commencement of pre-season training for 1-4 year players next Monday.”

Their diagnosis comes after a player from the Tigers’ AFLW squad tested positive for the illness last month.

The Western Bulldogs AFLW squad were also forced to cancel training earlier this month after a member of their program was diagnosed with Covid-19.

The AFL and AFLW require all players to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to play in the respective competitions next year.

Originally published as Max Gawn warns of Covid restrictions after Richmond players test positive