The AFL has today written to clubs and provided an update on the Return to Play protocols for training sessions.

The updated protocols have strengthened the rules around full contact sessions involving the whole playing list.
 
Contact training sessions will still be permitted in smaller groups (up to nine players), however for the next four weeks no contact sessions will be permitted for training sessions groups of more than nine players. This allows Clubs to conduct full ground ball movement training, however without contact. 
 
The changes to the protocols are applied to all clubs and are designed to mitigate and reduce risk for players and clubs.
   
The AFL will review the prohibition of contact during the full group training sessions on or before 20 July 2020 and make any necessary adjustments at that time.
 
Additionally, Players and Approved Club Staff must not visit other houses, or have visitors in their house, in the period commencing 48 hours prior to their weekly pre-match day PCR test until after that test.

AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said the strengthened protocols were simply enforced to mitigate the risk at both clubs and in the community.
 
“The COVID-19 virus is still a major challenge for the wider community, and the events of the weekend serve as a reminder to all that we must continue to ensure the appropriate precautions are in place and, most importantly, followed.” Mr Dillon said.
 
“These protocols were put in place to protect the health and safety of the players, staff and their families from the Covid-19 virus as well as the wider community and we must continue to be vigilant.  The updated training protocols continue to put that at the forefront.
 
“This season is unlike any other, we must continue to be flexible and agile in our decision making as we navigate through the remaining games.”
 
The Essendon Football Club playing list and football department officials remain in isolation and will complete further testing today, before results are provided on Tuesday.