AFL lifts vaccine mandate for players, club staff

The AFL has lifted the vaccine mandate that made it compulsory for players to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to play this season.

They have changed the policy’s wording to “strongly encourage”, rather than compel, players and football department staff to receive the vaccination.

Former Blue Liam Jones, who gave up his AFL career because of vaccination requirements.Credit:Getty

The decision will enable St Kilda’s Georgia Patrikios to begin training with the Saints before the AFLW season, having stood out of the season earlier this year.

It also opens the door for former Blue Liam Jones to resume his career with several clubs exploring the option of adding Jones to their list in 2023.

The Blues are expected to seek some compensation for losing the key defender, who retired before this season as a result of the AFL’s no-jab, no-play policy.

The league confirmed it told club chief executives of the decision on Thursday afternoon, with the new policy in line with government policy.

It will mean prospective draftees who aren’t vaccinated could enter the system, as will staff who left their jobs as a result of the compulsory vaccination policy.

More to come

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