THE AFL is battling a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections, with senior coaches Matthew Nicks and Adam Simpson among those forced into isolation.
Eight West Coast players and three members of St Kilda’s football department are also out of action because of the virus.
The news comes a day after Fremantle’s outbreak grew to six players.
Adelaide assistant coach Scott Burns will take over from Nicks for Sunday’s away game against Carlton.
Former Essendon senior coach Matthew Knights will return to the top role in Simpson’s place for the Saturday night match against Brisbane at the ‘Gabba.
Assistants have a 6-0 record this season when senior coaches have been ruled out because of the virus.
The AFL has also given West Coast extra time to finalise their team, with another wave of infections this season among Eagles players.
Once again, West Coast will have to tap into their COVID-19 contingency list so they can field a team.
“As it stands we have 22 available AFL-listed players with the remainder either injured or in AFL health and safety protocols,” West Coast football manager Gavin Bell said.
“With Adam also being unable to coach this weekend, it is clearly unprecedented times.”
Also on Thursday, Saints coach Brett Ratten said the virus had sidelined assistant coach Brendon Lade who filled in for him last month.
High-performance staffers Nick Walsh and Marcus Krygger are also out of action for Sunday’s game against Melbourne, but assistant coach Corey Enright will be back after he was sidelined.
(C) AAP 2022
