AFLW news: Snake delays start to GWS v Richmond clash

An unwanted visitor believed to have a ‘potentially fatal bite’ delayed the start of the GWS-Richmond clash in the AFLW. Enter the snake catcher to save the day.

A snake catcher picks up a snake on the sideline during the round three AFLW match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Richmond Tigers at Blacktown International Sportspark, on September 16, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

A snake sighting has caused a significant delay to the start of the GWS-Richmond clash at Blacktown in unprecedented scenes for a professional football game.

The reptilian intruder was spotted by security in the forward pocket minutes before the scheduled first bounce, delaying the start of play by almost half an hour.

GWS women’s football boss Briana Harvey told Fox Footy the intruder is believed to be a red-bellied black snake, which is highly venomous with a potentially fatal bite.

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— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) September 16, 2023

Caught. Picture: Getty Images

The snake catcher got the job done. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“Obviously for the safety of everyone here, we need to hold the game for the moment,” she said.

“It is 34 degrees here and we are surrounded by bushland, so I guess it’s not that surprising.”

The snake catcher arrived at the ground and made short work of removing the reptile, which had slithered into a drain in the forward pocket.

The game eventually began and Richmond claimed a 19-point win.