Liam Jones named as AFL player refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19

After reports emerged earlier in the week a Carlton player was refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19, he has now been named.

Liam Jones has been named as the Carlton player reluctant to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

According to reports, the Blues will continue to work closely with the defender — who must be fully vaccinated to return to pre-season training in early December.

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Journalist Sam McClure revealed Jones was the player refusing to be vaccinated on 3AW’s Sportsday on Wednesday evening.

“A lot of people aren’t going to be happy that we’ve named Liam Jones,” McClure said.

“He is absolutely entitled to his opinion and choice — but the lines have been blurred a little bit in Victoria where anyone who is working is mandated to be vaccinated.

“That forced the hand of the AFLPA and AFL to come to an agreement, which really makes this cut and dry for the AFL.

“Unless Liam gets vaccinated before May 18, Carlton will cut him.”

Under the AFL’s policy announced last month, all players must be double-vaccinated in order to play next season.

The AFL has set a deadline of February 18 for all players in the competition to be double vaccinated, but under the Victorian government’s mandate, all players must have received two doses by November 26 to attend their workplace.

Under the AFL’s guidelines, if a player is unvaccinated, their contract can be terminated or they can be placed on the inactive playing list on a minimum wage.

At the time of last month’s deadline for all players to receive their first dose, every Victorian club except two had confirmed all their players had received at least one dose or were booked to do so.

The drama comes after AFLW star and Adelaide Crows premiership player Deni Varnhagen was moved to the club’s inactive list due to her refusal to receive a Covid vaccination.

Varnhagen, who works as an ICU and anaesthetics nurse, has been outspoken on the matter of vaccines and last week she attended a protest against a South Australian government mandate requiring vaccinations for healthcare workers.

Liam Jones’ future is in doubt. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, the AFL was rocked by two Covid-19 cases. Hawthorn’s Finn Maginness tested positive and is now in quarantine, and all close contacts are isolating for seven days.

Carlton also announced a fully vaccinated AFLW player had tested positive.

“The PCR test returned a positive result on Wednesday, with the individual now required to self-isolate for 14 days,” a club statement read.

“One additional member of the Club’s AFLW program was deemed a close contact.

“That person has tested negative to Covid-19 however will continue to self-isolate for the required seven days.

“The Club is providing continued support to both individuals and asks that their privacy be respected.

“Every player and staff member associated with the Club’s AFLW program is fully vaccinated.”

Originally published as Liam Jones named as AFL player refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19