The AFL is on the verge of implementing a top-up player pool in an effort to see the 2022 season completed in spite of complications relating to Covid.
Past reports fromย AFL Mediaย have suggested a plan of this ilk could be put into place ahead of the season's commencement later this month, but Jake Niall of The Ageย has suggested the scheme will be given the green light shortly.
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According to Niall, eligible players from secondary competitions such as the VFL, SANFL and WAFL will soon be available to clubs requiring roster coverage after being hit by the virus.
While this policy will be put into place ahead of the season proper, clubs have already been told to begin scouting for "train on" candidates.
Details relating to how much these replacement players will earn or what their presence will mean for all 18 salary caps are yet released, however, the league is said to have stated that each club should be looking to sign players from the affiliate clubs.
The difference in list sizes between the AFL and AFLW competitions suggests that clubs participating this winter will not be as hard-hit by Covid as those currently plying their trade this summer.
Although those that test positive for the virus will still be required to isolate away from staff and teammates for a minimum of seven days, Niall claimed that as many as 800 AFL players have already fallen victim to symptoms ahead of Round 1.
