James Stewart (left) and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher touch elbows during an Essendon training session in March 19, 2020. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

ESSENDON has received welcome news on the eve of its clash with Carlton, with James Stewart the only Bomber to be deemed a 'close contact' of Conor McKenna by the Department of Health and Human Services.

COVID CRACKDOWN AFL forces big change to training rules

There were fears the side's entire backline could be decimated this weekend, after McKenna trained with his line group last Friday before returning a positive COVID-19 test over the weekend.

20:30

AAA Ep3: The team that's not 'AFL standard', how the AFL will help Dons

Matthew Lloyd and Damian Barrett discuss all of the round three matches, and the repercussions from Conor McKenna's positive test

The DHHS later announced that anyone recognised as a 'close contact' of McKenna's would have to quarantine for 14 days, but investigations completed on Tuesday have confirmed that only one other player will be made to isolate for the next fortnight.

DONS COULD PLAY WITH BARE MINIMUM 'The rules are pretty clear'

It means that Essendon will be without both McKenna and Stewart for Saturday night's clash with Carlton, with every other player and staff member, aside from the Irishman, returning negative test results for COVID-19 on Tuesday morning.

01:01

Conor McKenna trains 24 hours before positive COVID-19 test

Essendon defender Conor McKenna hits the track with his teammates the day before returning a positive COVID-19 test

McKenna returned an irregular result last Saturday morning before testing positive for the virus later in the day. He subsequently became the first AFL player to test positive for COVID-19.

BARRETT What happens next in the season of 'unknown unknowns'?

Essendon's clash with Melbourne, scheduled for last Sunday at the MCG, was postponed as a result of McKenna's positive COVID-19 test and will be played later in the year. Despite speculation, the AFL is adamant it will not be played this week.

13:10

AFL explains decision to postpone Sunday's Dons-Dees clash

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan fronts the media after Conor McKenna tests positive to COVID-19, courtesy of Fox Footy

Essendon will subsequently return to training on Wednesday morning, having been told to isolate over the weekend.

BARRETT Random fixture looms after Conor's COVID-19 positive

"This has clearly been a sensitive and delicate matter and, as a club, the health and wellbeing of our players and staff, particularly Conor and James, has been our number one priority throughout this period," Bombers chief executive Xavier Campbell said.

"The public nature of our industry has made this task even more difficult but we are now pleased to have reached an outcome with the DHHS.   

"On behalf of the club, I also wish to thank the Department of Health and Human Services for their significant work in recent days and for providing this information in a timely and professional manner."

IN AFL ON DEMAND NOW