Adelaide Crows take action against anti-vax AFLW star Deni Varnhagen

A decision has been made on the future of anti-vax AFLW star Deni Varnhagen just days after she was filmed protesting in Adelaide.

Adelaide AFLW player Deni Varnhagen has been placed on the club’s inactive list as she refuses to receive a Covid vaccination. Picture: 7 NEWS

Deni Varnhagen’s future in the AFLW is clouded as she and the Adelaide Crows mutually agreed the footy star would move to the club’s inactive list due to her refusal to receive a Covid vaccination.

Varnhagen, who works as an ICU and anaesthetics nurse, has been outspoken on the matter of vaccines and she was filmed protesting on Tuesday against a South Australian government mandate requiring vaccinations for healthcare workers.

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With the AFL’s vaccination policy requiring all players and staff to have had their first vaccination by November 19 and their second jab on December 19, Varnhagen would not meet the requirements as she maintains her anti-vax stance.

The Crows confirmed the 29-year-old would be moved to the inactive list, which means Varnhagen is still contracted to the club, but she is not allowed to play.

In a statement, Crows CEO Tim Silvers noted the side had been in constant discussions with Varnhagen regarding the matter, but were ultimately left with no choice.

“The AFL’s initial vaccination deadline is still a fortnight away however, Deni has made it well known she is against vaccination in this instance,” Silvers said.

“We have a team-first approach and the timing of this decision has been made in the best interests of the team and its preparation for the upcoming season.

Deni Varnhagen has been placed on the Crows’ inactive list for the foreseeable future. Picture: Dean Martin

“Our Club supports the League’s policy and we strongly encourage people to be vaccinated for the benefit of community health and safety.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank Deni for the significant contribution she has made to our women’s program over the past five seasons.”

Varnhagen had been training with the squad to keep up her fitness ahead of the looming AFLW season, but with the Crows officially moving her to their inactive list, her future remains up in the air.

The club’s agreement with the 29-year-old comes just days after Crows AFLW coach Matthew Clarke wished Varnhagen would play a role for the side as they look to win their third premiership.

“I hold out hope that something will change before November 19,” Clarke told SEN on Wednesday.

“She’s continued to engage in the education from medical teams and the AFL’s medical teams.

“We see that as an opportunity but predominantly as an individual choice.

“We’ll wait and see how that plays out.”

Originally published as Adelaide Crows take action against anti-vax AFLW star Deni Varnhagen