AFL flags changes to COVID testing for players heading into 2021 season

AFL players have had to pass COVID tests before returning for pre-season training on Monday, but the regularity of testing will change into the future.

Orazio Fantasia is expected to join his new Power teammates for the start of pre-season training on Monday. Picture: Daniel Kalisz (Getty)

AFL players including the Crows and Power have been COVID tested before returning for pre-season training on Monday, but will not be subjected to ongoing tests unless the situation in Australia deteriorates.

Players and staff were tested twice a week during an extraordinary 2020 season, typically before their main training session and game day.

While AFL protocols required them to be tested before they officially start their pre-season campaigns on December 7, they will not be made to have another one unless the league deems it appropriate such as in the case of a COVID-19 outbreak seen in South Australia last month.

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St Kilda defender Jake Carlisle has his temperature taken pre-game earlier this year. Picture: AAP Image/Michael Dodge

There are no restrictions on numbers for training outdoors but the AFL has capped groups at 20 for indoor sessions such as weights.

Both Port Adelaide and Adelaide’s 1-4 year players will be back in action on Monday morning and are expected to be joined by some senior players who choose to get extra work in before Christmas.

Former Crows skipper Taylor Walker is expected to be at West Lakes as he enters the final year of his contract.

At Alberton, Essendon recruit Orazio Fantasia is set to join his new Power teammates after returning to SA following 80 games in seven years with the Bombers.

A two-year process to get him to Port Adelaide was sealed during the trade period when the Power gave up Pick 29 and a future third-round selection for the small forward.

Former Crows captain Nathan van Berlo is taking over as Adelaide’s midfield coach after working under Adam Simpson at West Coast. Picture: Sarah Reed

Fellow off-season signing, Sydney defender Aliir Aliir, is not expected to be there while he remains with family interstate and will join training after Christmas.

The only young players who will be missing from Power training on Monday are those who remain in WA due to the state’s border closure – Jake Pasini and Mitch Georgiades – but they are following a fitness program while at home.

Amid speculation the Power is set to secure Tyson Goldsack in Thursday’s rookie draft, the former Collingwood defender will be at Alberton in his role as a development coach but is not expected to be training with the players.

The Crows will have several new faces on the track at West Lakes including Brisbane Lions recruit Mitch Hinge while Jackson Hately will be free to join them from Thursday when Adelaide selects him in the pre-season draft.

The biggest overhaul at Adelaide is off the field where senior coach Matthew Nicks will be working with new senior assistant Scott Burns, midfield coach Nathan van Berlo, forwardline coach James Rahilly and head of development Marco Bello.