Ratten bemoans poor St Kilda performance as COVID threat grows for clubs

Meanwhile, the COVID threat has become very real for AFL clubs pushing to make finals as Western Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge revealed the effect of the virus on their club heading into Friday night’s game.

Loading

They lost key trio Aaron Naughton, Josh Schache and Lachie Hunter and were without coaches Matt Spangher and Travis Varcoe, as well as welfare officer Brent Prismall, who is normally on the interchange bench. Zaine Cordy was also unavailable for selection due to COVID-19.

The growing threat to player and coach availability heading towards finals is an issue for all clubs, with nine players out of round 18 teams and Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley unable to coach against Melbourne.

“The boys are smart enough to know what the boundaries are now in this climate. Even in the club we are starting to wear masks again and that the people who are in rooms, there is some common sense around it,” Beveridge said.