Tim Watson has revealed that Essendon duo Conor McKenna and James Stewart both returned negative COVID-19 tests this morning.
It became apparent that McKenna had returned a positive test over the weekend while Stewart was implicated after he was deemed to be a “close contact” of the Irishman.
However, in increasingly good news for the Bombers, subsequent tests have come back negative.
“I can confirm that Conor McKenna and James Start have both tested negative again,” Dons great Watson said on SEN Breakfast.
“This was a test that was taken yesterday and the results this morning have come through negative again.
“It’s important to remember this, Conor tested positive on Friday and Saturday, now since then they’ve all been negative tests. He’s had two tests that have come back negative.
“At this stage everybody is still working with the DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) and I guess Essendon will be trying to negotiate whether they can be released from their 14 days of isolation but that’s yet to be determined.”
Two negative tests are required for Stewart to return to training but Watson is not completely sure if the 26-year-old is clear to resume with the full group just yet.
“He has already had two negative tests but that’s still to be determined. I don’t know whether or not that’s going to be the case,” he added.
It's promising news for the Dons who will look to put this enormous distraction to the side as they strive for a third win from three games in 2020 when they meet Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.