Coronavirus: Scott Pendlebury cleared of COVID-19 after test

Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury missed training on Friday and Monday due to flu-like symptoms.

Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury has been given the all-clear after a coronavirus scare. Picture: AAP

Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has been cleared of the coronavirus as the AFL continues to grapple with a range of complications caused by the rapidly spreading infection.

The Magpie missed training sessions on Friday and Monday due to flu-like symptoms.

Given the declaration that a positive test by a player would cause an immediate 14-day cease of the AFL season, the Pendlebury news is a reprieve for a league hoping to begin on Thursday.

The news about the Magpie comes as Adelaide’s AFLW superstar Erin Phillips revealed she had awoken on Tuesday with an acute sore throat that had caused her to miss work and seek medical treatment.

A decision on what will occur with the remainder of the AFLW season is among the issues being discussed at AFL headquarters as crisis meetings continue between clubs and the league.

Melbourne captain Max Gawn said the majority of male players _ believed to be almost nine out of every ten _ expressed a desire to begin the season, with Richmond due to face Carlton on Thursday night.

Those players uncertain about the risk are not alone given clear concerns from medical experts about the tragedy, which has caused thousands of deaths and financial carnage globally.

A range of decisions are due to be reached on Tuesday, with AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan saying a final call would be made for this week’s round of football.

A mini-draft will be held to allow clubs to expand their lists to 50 players to help them cope with the prospect of matches being played at increased frequency wherever possible.

After state leagues around the country were positioned until at least the end of May, there will be meetings later on Tuesday to decide the initial fate of lower leagues.

The crisis is certain to threaten the financial welfare of clubs and their employees, including footballers, at all levels, particularly of seasons are suspended or cancelled completely.