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Central District, Sturt players and officials had their temperature taken before trial

The risk of infection of the coronavirus has prompted a lock out of fans for SANFL games, as well as other drastic measures by clubs.

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Central District and Sturt ordered all players and officials to have their temperature taken before the SANFL trial at Elizabeth Oval on Saturday as a precautionary measure to limit the risk of infection of COVID-19.

And any person with a temperature over 38 degrees was to be sent home immediately, although both clubs said that had not been necessary.

However, an unknown Double Blues player was told not to go to the game after he recorded below 38 in a test at home on Saturday morning, but was not feeling “100 per cent”.

Drink bottles were also banned during the game, while players were not allowed to use towels to wipe their sweat.

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The players were discouraged from shaking hands with opponents, although the clubs admitted it was a difficult request given the clash of bodies during the game.

The drastic steps follows a meeting of the SANFL with its clubs on Friday morning and then several phone hook ups as plans continued to evolve with the coronavirus situation escalating.

The Double Blues also took the temperatures of players and officials before the women’s battle against the Bulldogs at Elizabeth Oval on Friday night. The men’s team was tested before a light training session at Unley Oval on Friday.

Players have been told not to have ice baths and the Double Blues office staff are having their temperature taken each day.

“The clubs and league are trying to keep on top of it as best they can as a collective group,” Bulldogs chief executive Kris Grant said. “We will try and improve hygiene, such as not letting the players use drink bottles.

“We will have disposal cups lined up near the interchange bench. There is another hook up planned for Monday and I’d suggest more protocols will be put in place, as well as discussion on training.

Central District CEO Kris Grant said the players had their temperatures taken prior to the SANFL trial with Sturt. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.
Central District CEO Kris Grant said the players had their temperatures taken prior to the SANFL trial with Sturt. Picture: Tricia Watkinson.

“I think we will continue to take the temperature of players and officials, and we will sanitise stuff throughout the changerooms.”

The SANFL has already banned spectators from games until further notice, including the trial match at Elizabeth Oval and two SANFLW games at Noarlunga Oval on Saturday. Players, umpires and officials will only be allowed entry.

The same restrictions will apply for all under 16 and 18 games on Sunday. Parents and guardians of players under 18 will be given access to the women’s league, men’s trials and under 16 and 18 games.

The SANFL said in a statement it had been in constant communication with the AFL, and by extension the Federal Government health authorities, and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“In addition, SANFL has provided information and advice to all our clubs and leagues in South Australia which will see them introduce precautionary plans immediately to limit the risk of infection of COVID-19 to all players, staff and match officials,” it said.

The state clash between the SANFL and WAFL at Adelaide Oval on May 9 is under a cloud following speculation the WAFL is considering delaying the start of its competition a month until May.

There have also been reports the AFL is investigating a mini draft to expand club lists by up to 15 as cover for players who contract COVID-19.

That would have a nightmare flow on impact on state leagues with clubs being raided of their best talent.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/local-footy-sa/sanfl/central-district-players-and-officials-had-their-temperature-taken-before-trial/news-story/ab86eefe1e67b6728dec1e8165451107