The AFL has advised that the AFLW Pre-Season Practice Match between the GIANTS and Adelaide Crows, scheduled to be played at Norwood Oval on Saturday, has been cancelled following a COVID-19 positive test in the GIANTS’ AFLW program.
AFL General Manager Competition Management Laura Kane said protecting the health and safety of the AFLW competition and the wider community remained the priority for the league.
“The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains paramount as we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Ms Kane said.
“The decision to cancel the practice match between the Adelaide Crows and the GIANTS was made in consultation with each club and the AFLPA to minimise risk to all players, staff and officials ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
“Players and staff are looking forward to the holiday period and spending time with their family and friends and when you consider the time of year together with current quarantine requirements across respective states, it was determined the safest decision on this occasion is to cancel the practice match.
“We will work closely with each club and the AFLPA to ensure players across each team are physically prepared ahead of the 2022 NAB AFLW Competition. We thank both clubs and their supporters for their understanding as we continue to be led by the advice of respective governments and health officials.”
GIANTS Head of Women’s Football Briana Harvey said:
“While disappointed we’ve had to cancel Saturday’s practice match, it’s the right decision given the potential implications for players and staff across the upcoming holiday and leave period.
“We’ll train in Sydney as normal on Saturday before our players break for a well-deserved rest ahead of the season. Together with the AFL, we’ll look into practice match or match simulation options post-Christmas to ensure our players are ready for round one.
“The decision wasn’t made lightly and we thank the AFL for their proactiveness and support of our program. We’re excited to get the season underway in the first week of January.”
The GIANTS open their season against the Suns in Mackay on January 9.
