Vaccine-hesitant Jed Anderson missing from North Melbourne training

North Melbourne’s Jed Anderson was a notable absentee from pre-season training, with the AFL star hesistant to get his second Covid jab.

AFL Round 18. 17/09/2020. North Melbourne vs West Coast Eagles at Metricon stadium, Gold Coast. Jed Anderson of the Kangaroos . Pic: Michael Klein

North Melbourne midfielder is yet to return to pre-season training because he has only received one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

As AFL clubs resumed training this week following the New Year break, Anderson was a notable absentee for the Kangaroos as he remained in Darwin.

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Players who had been allowed to train interstate over the Christmas period were required to be double vaccinated by this weekend to rejoin their clubs.

North Melbourne had expected Northern Territory-based Anderson, who had his first jab in mid-December, to have had his second shot by the cut-off.

The Herald Sun and Seven News report Anderson is hesitant to get his second vaccination, with the Kangaroos confirming the 27-year-old had an adverse reaction to his first dose.

In a statement, North Melbourne said it was working closely with Anderson on next steps in the hope he will return to training at Arden St soon.

“The North Melbourne Kangaroos can confirm that due to a poor reaction to his first COVID-19 vaccination, Jed Anderson has not yet received his second vaccination shot,” the club said.

“We will continue to work with Jed on next steps but in the short term he will remain in Darwin, where he will complete his training program.

North Melbourne’s Jed Anderson is yet to get his second Covid vaccine. Photo: Michael Klein

“Our club fully supports the AFL’s vaccination policy and in the interests of community health and safety, we urge everyone to receive their full course of vaccinations and booster shots.

“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”

Apart from Anderson, the rest of North Melbourne’s playing group is double vaccinated.

Several players were missing from training on Monday due to being close contacts or having to isolate after contracting Covid.

Under the AFL’s vaccination policy in Victoria, all players and club staff had to be double vaccinated by November 26.

However, that did not apply to Anderson because he remained in the Northern Territory to train and visit family.

Carlton defender Liam Jones retired in November after refusing the vaccine, while Adelaide AFLW player Deni Varnhagen was moved to the Crows’ inactive list because she did not want to get vaccinated.

Anderson has played 85 AFL games. He was restricted by ankle and calf injuries last year and only made seven appearances for North Melbourne.