Essendon defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will be unavailable for selection in Round 2 after breaching the AFL’s COVID-19 protocols.
The key defender self-reported to the AFL and has returned multiple negative COVID-19 tests since the breach.
The one-week suspension does not bode well for Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines, who breached protocols on Wednesday night with a TV interview at his home.
His fate remains unclear, however.
Read the AFL’s statement below.
The AFL confirms Essendon player Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will be unavailable for selection for Essendon's round 2 match against Sydney after self-reporting a breach of the AFL’s return to play protocols.
Zerk-Thatcher self-reported to the club and the AFL that he had breached the living arrangements protocols that apply to all players and officials.
The AFL looked into the matter, in conjunction with the club, and as a result Zerk-Thatcher has been suspended for one match for the breach of the protocols and will undergo further education.
Upon self-reporting Zerk-Thatcher underwent two separate COVID-19 tests and was cleared before returning to the club.
AFL General Counsel Andrew Dillon said it was important that players adhered to the protocols.
“While the player self-reported the matter and was remorseful for his actions, all players and match-day officials need to abide by the protocols and as a result he will be unavailable for selection this week.”