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 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
“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.
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