The Adelaide Crows have moved dual premiership player Deni Varnhagen to the inactive list effective immediately, after she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Her stance means she does not meet the requirements of the AFL’s vaccination policy, which requires all players and staff to have received a first dose by November 19, and be fully vaccinated by December 17.
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Being moved to the inactive list means Varnhagen remains linked to the Crows, but she will not be able to play.
“The AFL’s initial vaccination deadline is still a fortnight away however, Deni has made it well known she is against vaccination in this instance,” said Crows CEO Tim Silvers said.
“We have a team-first approach and the timing of this decision has been made in the best interests of the team and its preparation for the upcoming season.
“Our club supports the league’s policy and we strongly encourage people to be vaccinated for the benefit of community health and safety.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank Deni for the significant contribution she has made to our women’s program over the past five seasons.”
The move comes just a day after Supercars driver David Reynolds was banned from the next three races in Sydney after his request for a vaccination exemption was denied by New South Wales health authorities.
Reynolds, who is a previous winner of the Bathurst 1000, has now had his first dose of the vaccine.
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