The AFL has confirmed that all players across both the men’s and women’s games must be vaccinated as part of the league’s COVID-19 vaccination policy.
The policy, which was announced this afternoon, instructs AFL and AFLW players, as well as club staff to be vaccinated by the start of their respective upcoming seasons.
The decision means the AFL is now the first top-level sport in Australia to introduce a vaccine mandate.
The AFL confirmed it had reached an agreement with the AFLPA, and released the following statement:
“The policy will require all AFL and AFLW players and football program staff to be vaccinated in advance of the start of the AFL and AFLW seasons according to a progressive schedule,” the statement read.
“The policy has been introduced following an extensive education program across the clubs and industry in regard to COVID-19 vaccinations and the AFL will continue to work with the AFLPA to provide all players and staff further support and guidance through the evolving situation.
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“The policy reflects the AFL’s strongly held view that as the governing body of the sport, we share responsibility to address the risk of exposure to COVID-19 of our players and football program staff, and in delivering upon this responsibility, TGA approved vaccines offer the best possible protection in keeping our people safe, healthy and together.
“Further, it provides our sport the opportunity to recover from the COVID-19 interruptions that have beset both the AFL and AFLW competitions in these past two years.”
The statement also confirmed that players who opt against getting vaccinated will not be able to train or engage in club activities.
Clubs will have the power to enforce financial penalties and even terminate a contract, should an agreement be reached.
“Players and football program staff that do not comply with the vaccination requirement that apply to them will not be able to attend club or AFL premises including to train or play, absent a medical exemption approved by the AFL. In short, they will not be able to perform their contracted services for their clubs.
“Clubs will determine the action to be taken with respect to remuneration and employment status of football program staff that do not comply with the policy.”
Earlier this week, Melbourne forward Tom McDonald said he was against vaccine mandates.
The 29-year-old confirmed that he had received the vaccination, but spoke after reports emerged surrounding an AFLW player’s unwillingness to be vaccinated.
“I’m vaccinated and most players would have been, but … it’s ethically wrong to force people to [have] a medical procedure,” McDonald told 9News.
“We’re on track — we would have gotten 90 per cent of the state — and I don’t see why we needed to cause such issues and division by forcing people in many jobs where it’s probably not as necessary.
“That’s why you get vaccinated, to protect yourself. I don’t understand why we need to force other players.”
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