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AFL player positive for coronavirus

The AFL has urged the public not to view or share the pictures.

The AFL has urged the public not to view or share the pictures. Photo: AAP

Young Hawthorn midfielder Finn Maginness has become the first male AFL player to test positive for COVID-19 in almost 18 months.

Close contacts of Maginness are isolating and are awaiting results of coronavirus tests.

Hawthorn confirmed all players were fully vaccinated or scheduled to have their second dose soon.

Maginness attended the club’s Waverley Park facility on Monday but did not have any symptoms until Tuesday.

Hawthorn chief executive Justin Reeves said Maginness went to get tested after waking up with COVID-19 symptoms.

“I want to commend Finn for his diligence in getting a test at the first sign of symptoms, informing our club doctor and protecting his teammates and our staff,” Reeves said.

“As a club we are taking every precaution to ensure the health and wellbeing of our staff and the broader community is maintained.

“Appropriate wellbeing supports have been put in place to support Finn and those who are isolating as a result of this case.

“Every staff member and player that needs to be tested is being tested, and the clear processes the club and AFL have in place has ensured that those who need to isolate are isolating.

“Football clubs are no different to rest of the community, and these kinds of situations will continue to occur as our community continues to open up.

“This highlights the importance of being vaccinated and getting tested as soon as you have any symptoms.”

Maginness has played three games for the Hawks since being taken with pick 29 in the 2019 draft.

He is the son of dual Hawthorn premiership player Scott Maginness.

The 20-year-old is the first known men’s player to test positive for COVID-19 since former Essendon defender Conor McKenna in June 2020.

Several AFLW teams have been affected during this pre-season, with the Western Bulldogs isolating due to a member of their program returning a positive result.

It comes after it was revealed a senior Carlton AFL player is refusing to have his COVID shots ahead of the club resuming training.

The Blues and the AFL would not comment, with Carlton’s AFL players officially starting their pre-season under new coach Michael Voss later this month.

The AFL released its long-awaited COVID vaccination policy on October 21, with all AFL and AFLW players and club staff needing jabs before they start their seasons.

Adelaide AFLW premiership player Deni Varnhagen, who is a registered nurse outside of football, was last week moved to the inactive list due to her anti-vaccination stance.

-AAP

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