North Melbourne's Jed Anderson remains in the Northern Territory and away from his club's pre-season training as it has been revealed the midfielder is yet to receive his second vaccine for COVID-19.
All clubs returned to training this week, with several sides hitting the track with undermanned numbers and compromised lists as the AFL looks to combat increasing case tallies across the nation.
The Kangaroos are the latest to face some concern within their own playing group, with the club revealing Anderson remains hesitant on receiving a second dose of the vaccine following a bad reaction to his initial jab - which is understood to have been taken late last month.
“The North Melbourne Kangaroos can confirm that due to a poor reaction to his first COVID-19 vaccination, Jed Anderson has not yet received his second vaccination shot,” a club statement reads.
“We will continue to work with Jed on next steps but in the short term he will remain in Darwin, where he will complete his training program.
“Our club fully supports the AFL’s vaccination policy and in the interests of community health and safety, we urge everyone to receive their full course of vaccinations and booster shots.
“The club will not be making any further statement at this time.”
It is understood that the Kangaroos were hoping Anderson would have received his second jab by this week, with the club keep discussions open with the 27-year-old.
The news comes months after Blues defender Liam Jones announced his retirement from the AFL after deciding not to follow the league's mandated vaccination policy.
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Anderson has emerged as a valuable player to David Noble's side since crossing to Arden Street from Hawthorn, having played 75 games for the Kangaroos across six seasons at the club.
North Melbourne are scheduled to face Melbourne and Sydney throughout their pre-season fixturing before a Round 1 clash against Hawthorn on Sunday, March 20.