Adelaide’s AFLW pre-season practice match against GWS on Saturday has been cancelled due to a positive COVID-19 test in the Giants’ women’s football program.
 
The decision to cancel the game – which was to be played at Norwood Oval at 11.30am tomorrow – was made in consultation with the AFL, GWS and the AFL Players’ Association.
 
“The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains paramount as we continue to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” AFL General Manager Competition Management Laura Kane said.
 
“The decision to cancel the practice match between the Adelaide Crows and GWS was made in consultation with each club and the AFLPA to minimise risk to all players, staff and officials ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
 
“Players and staff are looking forward to the holiday period and spending time with their family and friends and when you consider the time of year together with current quarantine requirements across respective states, it was determined the safest decision on this occasion is to cancel the practice match.
 
“We will work closely with each club and the AFLPA to ensure players across each team are physically prepared ahead of the 2022 NAB AFLW Competition. We thank both clubs and their supporters for their understanding as we continue to be led by the advice of respective governments and health officials.”
 
Crows Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said while it was disappointing the game had been cancelled, the Club supported the decision.
 
“It’s disappointing because our girls have been training hard for over two months and were looking forward to a competitive hit-out against a quality opposition, and it’s unfortunate for our Members and fans who were excited about seeing our team in action,” Harper said.
 
“But the health and safety of everyone in our program, the wider competition and the community is the priority and we understand why the decision has been made.
 
“The pandemic has taught us all to be prepared for things to change at the last minute and this is another reminder of that.
 
“We will still train tonight and use that as an opportunity to get a really solid hit-out in before our players have a brief break ahead of returning to the Club to prepare for the 2022 season.”