Western Australia’s COVID-19 shutdown has thrown the AFLW season into early disarray, with two clubs in lockdown, another thrust into 14-days of self-isolation and ticket sales for upcoming matches put on hold.
WA was plunged into a minimum five-day lockdown on Sunday after a security guard at one of Perth’s quarantine hotels tested positive to COVID-19.
While the West Coast and Fremantle teams are now under that strict lockdown, Adelaide and GWS both jetted out of Perth and headed to Adelaide on Sunday evening after playing the Eagles and Dockers respectively in round one on the weekend.
On arrival in the South Australian capital, Adelaide players, coaches and staff were told to immediately self-isolate for 14 days after SA closed its WA border.
GWS do not face a 14-day isolation period.
After flying back with the Crows, GWS were able to depart Adelaide for Sydney on Monday morning on a chartered flight.
But the Giants players, coaches and staff are expected to return home and self-isolate until at least Friday night, in line with NSW Health protocols, while they await further government and AFL advice.
GWS had been staying in an Adelaide hub – after previously spending two weeks in Albury – to allow their season to get underway in the wake of NSW’s coronavirus outbreak.
The AFLW put ticket sales for round two – which were due to open on Monday – on hold, with the fixture set to require changes.
West Coast and Fremantle were scheduled to fly to Adelaide to take on the Giants and Crows respectively this weekend but those games appear certain to be postponed.
The AFLW fixture has not been released beyond round two.
The Crows’ AFL team has also been affected by SA’s 14-day isolation requirement.
Veteran forward Tom Lynch is the Crows’ AFLW forward line coach and travelled to Perth, while AFLW head coach Matthew Clarke also works as the club’s part-time AFL ruck coach.