Jimmy Bartel believes the decision is an easy one for the AFL regarding unvaccinated players.
The former Geelong star was referring to a report from Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary stating that a Carlton player has not yet received any doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Bartel says the guidelines are clear and the player in question simply has to abide by the AFL’s rules.
“The rules are pretty clear now,” Bartel said on Sportsday.
“They put our their list of guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated players.
“It’s not a difficult decision for the AFL because there’s no wiggle room in it.”
The most basic of the repercussions for the player is that he is placed on the inactive list.
“When you go onto the inactive list your wage is minimum wage,” Bartel added.
While the more serious side of things is that their contract is terminated, which would be a major story in AFL and overall sporting circles.
Dr Peter Larkins suggests the unnamed Blues player might not be the last to go unvaccinated given the percentages.
However, he believes the impending Novavax could help uncertain players make a more considered vaccination decision.
“We’ve already seen it in AFLW where a couple of players accepted that they’ll stand out for the season,” he said.
“I think if you look at the law of averages over the total number, I think there will be more than one that will have a reason to avoid, at least until the Novavax comes out. In 2022 when that Novavax comes along they might accept that.
“I don’t know the reasons behind that individual Carlton player but I would expect over the 800 or so players that there’ll be more than one that might take that stance.”
Tim Watson added on SEN Breakfast that he believes a number of players are not all for vaccinations, but have opted to get the jab as it allows them to go on with their AFL careers.
“That’s the only choice he has right now, he either gets vaccinated or he doesn’t play,” he said.
“Not only does he not play AFL football, there’s a lot of other restrictions that will be imposed on him as a result of that as well.
“I’m led to believe that there a lot of players that didn’t want to be vaccinated but they have become vaccinated because they understand that they can’t continue their careers unless they do.
“I think ultimately those players will decide to get vaccinated and they’ll play.”
Report: Carlton player refusing COVID-19 vaccine