AFL: Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has his fingers crossed after emerging from a nervous 24 hours in isolation

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli admitted it had been an “unnerving” 24 hours after his team was forced into isolation and conceded the idea of moving into a hub again was in the back of players’ minds.

Bontempelli and his teammates were cleared to resume training on Wednesday after returning negative Covid tests after a club staff member attended an exposure site as Melbourne’s latest Covid outbreak grew.

Three clubs were forced to leave Melbourne early for interstate games this weekend, and Bontempelli said players were prepared to move back into hubs should the situation escalate.

Be he had his “fingers crossed” it would resolve itself.

“You are always somewhat prepared given what we have been through in the past and what everyone has been through, so you are always fingers crossed that it’s smooth sailing,” Bontempelli said on Wednesday morning.

“Credit to everyone, club-wise and management that were able to jump on it pretty quickly and get us all tested and here today.

“It’s a throwback in a sense but we are all well-versed and well-prepared.

All clear ✅

The work for Friday continues. pic.twitter.com/GE5EVURTrL

“I think we would be (prepared for hubs). You understand the landscape and it’s an ever-changing environment, that is always a chance.

“I think everyone is fingers crossed we don’t get to that. Clearly, if that becomes something we need to consider the right discussions will be had. We know they do move quickly. For right now, hopefully we can get a handle on the current environment.”

A decision on whether crowds will be allowed for Friday’s blockbuster clash between the Bulldogs and Melbourne could be determined by whether the roof at Marvel Stadium remains open.

Bontempelli said it would make a difference if the roof stayed open, but it was something he and his teammates would be prepared for.

“It has been closed for virtually every game for the last couple of years. I can’t remember it being open,” he said.

”It might make a bit of a difference, hopefully the weather stays clear. But you are just prepared to play in any conditions. We play in stadiums that don’t have a roof.”

Source: Read Full Article