FREMANTLE has confirmed one of its players has been sent for precautionary testing for coronavirus and been isolated after presenting with flu-like symptoms.
The player, who was not named by the club, had been in contact with a friend who had been in China earlier this year.
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The player reported the issue to club medical staff on Monday.
The Dockers released a statement on Monday night and said the player's friend had underwent a 14-day isolation period after returning from China. The friend had reported no flu-like symptoms.
"The player reported to club medical staff today that he was suffering flu-like symptoms and, as a precautionary measure and despite the fact that the friend had reported no flu-like symptoms, the player was immediately sent for testing and isolated," the Dockers said in a statement.
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The Dockers said test results are expected to take 24 to 48 hours and a further update would be provided when more information was available.
A function with past and present Fremantle players was held on Sunday night. It is not clear if the player who has been sent for tests took part in Saturday's Marsh Community Series clash against West Coast.
Several Dockers players took part in a clinic at Fremantle College on Monday afternoon. Players involved included Michael Walters, Griffin Logue, Andrew Brayshaw, Cam McCarthy, David Mundy and Matt Taberner.
The AFL will talk to club chiefs on Tuesday about coronavirus and how it could impact the League at the annual meeting of club CEOs ahead of the season launch in Melbourne.
The round 11 match between St Kilda and Port Adelaide in China was recently cancelled and moved to Marvel Stadium because of the Covid-19 virus.
The AFL last week said it was in constant contact with health authorities and was prepared for any challenges presented by coronavirus.
"For the information we have at hand now, and we're being urged by the federal government and the health authorities to go about our lives and our business as normal," League general manager of clubs and broadcasting Travis Auld said on March 4.
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"We're opening the season in two weeks' time and hopefully in front of really big crowds on the Thursday night in our opening match. If that information changes, then our fans should feel confident and assured that we'll be well prepared for that.
"There's some uncertainties, and all we can do is best plan for what we know right now."
World sporting events have been impacted by coronavirus, with Italy ordering all major sporting events to be played without fans for one month.
The English Premier League has banned pre-match handshakes for both teams and officials, while the NBA has recommended players bump fists instead of shake hands.
The AFL season starts on Thursday, March 19 when Richmond meets Carlton at the MCG. The Dockers travel to Marvel Stadium to face Essendon on March 21.
