Fremantle Dockers captain Nat Fyfe cleared after Sam Switkowski coronavirus test

Fremantle captain forced to take precautionary measures after teammate tested for coronavirus.

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe (left) and small forward Sam Switkowski, who has been cleared of coronavirus after being tested.

Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe required clearance from the AFL’s chief legal counsel before he was able to participate in the AFL’s annual captain’s day meeting prior to the season.

The AFL is on high alert following a coronavirus scare involving Fyfe’s Fremantle teammate Sam Switkowski, who has been cleared after being tested on Monday after falling ill.

In a statement on Tuesday, Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick confirmed Switkowski’s test for the virus had been negative.

“Given the club’s position in the community, we made a decision on Monday afternoon to take a very conservative approach even though the player did not fit all the WA Health Department criteria for COVID-19 testing,” Garlick said.

“We understand the high level of interest surrounding one of our players being sent for precautionary testing for COVID-19.

“The facts are that the player presented with flu-like symptoms after being in contact with a friend who had visited China, even though that person had self-isolated for 14 days following his return to the country and hadn’t displayed any symptoms of the virus.

“It was another two weeks after the isolation period that the friend visited the player late last month.

“We felt it was important to be proactive and diligent to ensure the safety of our players, staff and broader community.”

Sam Switkowski in action for the Dockers. Picture: Sarah Reed

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Fyfe said that regardless of the outcome of the coronavirus test for his teammate, it was a reminder of the need for vigilance.

“All of the usual precautionary measures have been taken. It’s very low risk, but given how serious this virus is, we’re stepping through the process,” Fyfe told SEN prior to attending Marvel Stadium.

“This is the start of something much bigger later this year, because this thing doesn’t look like stopping or slowing down any time soon.

“I’ve been told at the moment not to worry too much, but to watch it with caution and notice.”

The AFL is holding meetings with senior club personnel in Melbourne ahead of Tuesday night’s official season launch, with coronavirus clearly on the agenda.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan is due to address the issue publicly later on Tuesday prior to the launch.

Clubs have already taken precautions in an attempt to minimise the exposure of players to a virus that has led to travel bans in several countries and deaths around the world.

The GWS Giants have decided to close their club’s headquarters to the general public for at least a fortnight as a preventative move.

Sports medicine expert Dr Peter Larkins has previously warned the spread of the virus has the capacity to throw the AFL season into chaos.

It is having an impact on sporting events globally. The world’s fifth biggest tournament, which was to be played at Indian Wells over the next fortnight, has been cancelled.

Various sporting codes in Italy and Japan are holding matches behind closed doors, with no fans in attendance.

The same is true for horse racing meetings in various countries.

In the NRL, players have been warned to avoid contact with fans, a measure likely to be followed by other codes locally.