AFL announces COVID-19 vaccine mandate lifted, players allowed to return
The AFL has lifted its COVID-19 vaccination mandate which triggered a number of players into premature retirement.
The national Australian rules football league announced in October all AFL and AFLW players had to be double dosed against the virus in order to train and play in the elite competitions.
It was the first sporting body in Australia to mandate the vaccine.
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"After an extensive review that has included consultation with (staff), AFLPA, umpires, AFL clubs and a further risk assessment undertaken with input from the AFL's chief medical officer, the AFL remains strongly of the view that vaccinations are the best form of defence in minimising the impacts of COVID-19 – but not as a standalone solution," a statement on Thursday read.
"In light of AFL vaccination requirements now being revised, those players who were not fully vaccinated and ineligible to play and departed their clubs as a result may now seek to re-enter the AFL or AFLW system pursuant to the list management rules applicable to AFL and AFLW respectively.
Carlton's Liam Jones is yet to be vaccinated. Getty
"AFLW players who were not vaccinated but remained as inactive listed players, are now eligible to be re-introduced into the season seven pre-season training."
Carlton defender Liam Jones was the first player to announce his premature retirement following the AFL mandating vaccines. Brisbane's Cam Ellis-Yolmen followed suit.
AFLW player Deni Varnhagen was cut loose by Adelaide over her refusal to be vaccinated.
Those players will all be permitted to re-enter the respective competitions.
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