Doubt cast over unvaccinated ex-Blue's AFL lifeline

The veteran forward is facing an unclear future.

EDITOR | November 16, 2021 - 9:30am

Former Carlton forward Levi Casboult remains unvaccinated ahead of next week's Rookie Draft, where the Suns are primed to hand the veteran a career lifeline.

Gold Coast emerged as suitors for the 31-year-old last month following his departure from Carlton after not being offered a new deal for the 2022 season.

That move could now be under some doubt, with The Age's Sam McClure reporting Casboult remains unvaccinated as he awaits the arrival of the Novavax vaccine from the United States.

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 12: Levi Casboult of the Blues looks on after the teams defeat during the round 21 AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Carlton Blues at Domain Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Casboult will need to be fully vaccinated in order to play next season, however Queensland players aren't required to have their first dose until January 21.

Novavax however isn't TGA approved in Australia, meaning Casboult's wait faces an unclear timeline ahead of the upcoming season.

7 News' Mitch Cleary reports that Casboult has previously suggested he would be open to receiving the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccinations, which are currently available in Australia.

Levi Casboult is poised to join GC as a rookie next Fri. He’s not yet vaccinated, has been waiting for Novavax. But has previously indicated he would get Pfizer/AZ if required. QLD/WA/SA players don’t need 1st dose til 21st Jan. Will be handy King/Chol/Day back-up @7NewsMelbourne

— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) November 15, 2021

The Suns' hopes of signing Casboult come amid their stunning call to delist Hugh Greenwood ahead of next Wednesday's National Draft, with the midfielder having backflipped on the planned strategy to join North Melbourne on a two-year deal.

Greenwood's departure opens up another list spot for the Suns to fill for 2022, with Casboult now perhaps more of a necessity than ever before.

Suns football boss Wayne Campbell opted not to speak on Casboult's vaccination stance, but confirmed contract discussions have begun.

"Have we spoken to Levi about potentially coming to the Gold Coast? Yeah we have. Over a period that will play out, whether it plays out or doesn‘t. (But) an individual player’s vaccination status, I don’t think it’s for me to go into," Campbell told 3AW.