Fremantle Docker Sam Switkowski cleared of coronavirus

Fremantle’s Sam Switkowski had a test for the virus after falling ill following a visit from a friend who’d returned from China.

Sam Switkowski. Picture: Sarah Reed

Fremantle Dockers footballer Sam Switkowski has been cleared of coronavirus after being tested for the virus and falling ill following a visit from a friend who had recently returned from China.

The Dockers released a statement on Monday, without naming the player, revealing the test had been carried out.

Fremantle chief executive Simon Garlick confirmed on Tuesday the player had been cleared.

“I am very pleased to confirm that the player’s test result has come back negative,” Garlick said. “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.

“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.”

The AFL is planning to discuss the coronavirus outbreak at a meeting with club officials ahead of the official season launch on Tuesday night in Melbourne.

With sporting events around the world being cancelled or played without fans, the league is considering contingency plans for the 2020 season should the outbreak become a pandemic.