West Coast is facing the possibility of losing one of its star players due to the AFL’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Goal-kicking ace Jack Darling has been barred from training with the Eagles given the league requires all players and staff to be vaccinated against the virus.
Since the AFL mandated the vaccine – becoming the first sporting organisation in Australia to do so – Carlton veteran Liam Jones and Brisbane player Cam Ellis-Yolmen have announced shock retirements. Adelaide’s AFLW star Dani Varnhagen was also dumped due to her vaccine refusal.
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Now West Coast is desperately trying to convince Darling to get the jab so he can line up for the Eagles this season.
If he refuses, it’s likely he won’t be seen in the AFL again.
“As a coach, we’re a player down and he’s a pretty important player, so I hope it gets worked out,” West Coast coach Adam Simpson said today.
“I’ve texted him a couple of times, but there’s not much we can do at the moment.
“It’s probably between Jack and the club to work through and the mandates in place. It’s out of my hands personally.”
Simpson is desperate to get Darling on the park before the season starts.
“My plan is to get him back,” Simpson said.
“There’s not much we can do. It’s between Jack and the club and what they need to work through it. My hands are tied a little bit.
“We still care about Jack, none of that’s changed.”
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