Anti-vax AFLW star breaks silence on being stood down

Adelaide footballer Deni Varnhagen has spoken publicly for the first time since being stood down over a vaccination refusal.

Adelaide Crows footballer Deni Varnhagen has posted a message on Instagram to announce she will not be backing down on her refusal to accept a Covid-19 vaccination.

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

Her future in the AFLW is uncertain after she and the Adelaide Crows mutually agreed she would be stood down from active duty and has since been moved to the club’s inactive list as a result of her refusal to follow the league’s mandate for all players and staff to be vaccinated.

Catch all the ICC T20 World Cup action live & exclusive to Fox Cricket, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today.

In an Instagram post on Monday Varnhagen said she still hopes to return to play with her team “soon”.

Deni Varnhagen at a protest against mandatory Covid vaccinations for SA Heath workers. Picture: 7 NEWS.

Deni Varnhagen of the Adelaide Crows during the AFLW Grand Final. AAP Image/David Mariuz.

“Firstly I want to thank the community (near and far), my family and friends for their overwhelming support this past month, it has been so so incredible and has really helped me through this deeply challenging time,” she posted.

“I’ve always stood up for what I believe in and I will continue to do that, no matter how difficult the journey may seem, there will be light and joy at the end of this road.

“Unfortunately I need to step away from the club for now. I will always love my footy and team, I hope that I can join my team mates again soon.”

The Adelaide Advertiser first reported Varnhagen’s post received several messages of support from her teammates, including Hannah Button, Montana McKinnon, Hannah Munyard, Maddi Newman, and Eloise Jones.

The AFL’s vaccination policy requires all players to have been administered 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.

In a statement last week, Crows CEO Tim Silvers clarified Varnhagen remains contracted with the club, but said the club had been left with no choice but to remove her from active duties.

“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.

Crows AFLW coach Matthew Clarke last week said publicly he wished Varnhagen would play a role for the side as they look to win their third premiership next season.

“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.”

Captain Chelsea Randall has told the Advertiser the playing group still supports Varnhagen as a person, but also supports the club’s decision to remove her from all commitments with the club.