Port Adelaide will be able to access its SANFL-contracted players and SANFL players from its NGA-aligned clubs if required due to Covid. Image: Brandon Hancock.

PORT ADELAIDE will be able to list players from its Next Generation Academy-aligned SANFL clubs as as part of its COVID-19 Contingency List.

The AFL released playing list guidelines on Tuesday to each club, providing them the option to sign back-up players to navigate the risks of the pandemic and maintain the integrity of the competition while not materially impacting state league competitions across the nation.

The AFL has already told all clubs that it intends to play the fixture as scheduled this year and that the competition will continue to play on as we continue to learn to live with COVID-19. 

Each club will have the option to register as many as 20 additional players as part of its COVID Contingency List by 5pm on Friday March 11.

In Port Adelaide’s case it can list 19-year-old Next Generation Academy (NGA) players who have been involved in its program, players from its SANFL list or players from West Adelaide, Norwood, South Adelaide or Woodville-West Torrens – its four NGA aligned clubs.

Its list must include a minimum of four players from its SANFL list and it can also add no more than four players from each of those NGA aligned clubs.

Should the number of AFL listed players that are available to be selected for either AFL or State League / Second Tier matches fall below 30 due to the combined impact of COVID Health & Safety Protocols, normal football injuries and general unavailability, then the Club may activate a player from its COVID Contingency List to be available to participate in training sessions only.

Should the number of AFL Listed Players that are available to be selected fall below 28 due to the combined impact of COVID Health & Safety Protocols, normal football injuries and general unavailability, then the Club may activate a player from its COVID Contingency List to play in an AFL match. Noting the Club must prioritise the selection of AFL listed players where reasonable

The AFL has stipulated that if the Club has less than 30 AFL Listed players available, but this is not due to any player being subject to COVID Health & Safety Protocols, then the Club will not be able to activate a contingency player.

AFL General Manager Football Brad Scott said the protocols have been introduced as a risk mitigation measure and will only be implemented if the circumstances required.

“Over the last two seasons the AFL has put measures in place to best protect the competition, our clubs, players and umpires. While the ongoing pandemic will continue to challenge us, we remain committed to completing the season for supporters in a way that prioritises the health and safety of the wider community,” Mr Scott said.

“In a national sport, played across many states and territories, we need to be able to adapt, and adapt quickly to the COVID-19 conditions at any one time at locations where home teams are based, or away teams are travelling to. These guidelines help us achieve that while providing potential opportunities for talented players plying their craft in state league competitions to play football at the elite level.

Through these guidelines, we have worked together with state leagues to ensure minimal impact or disruption to their respective competitions

- Brad Scott, AFL General Manager Football

“Thank you to all each State League, AFL Clubs and the AFLPA for their collaboration as we worked through these guidelines. We are looking forward to Round One of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season and will continue to make all the necessary decisions to ensure we can deliver all games and all finals for fans across the country.”

Rules for access to non-aligned or Standalone State League Players South Australia.

South Australia – Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide

Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide will have capacity to list players from each of their NGA-aligned SANFL standalone State League Clubs on the following basis: 

    • Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide must list a minimum of four (4) players from their own State League list 
    • Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide may list a maximum of four (4) players from each of its four NGA aligned SANFL Clubs as part of their COVID Contingency List 
    • Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide may not activate – for training and selection – more than two (2) players from each NGA-aligned SANFL Club at any point in time unless more than 12 COVID Contingency Players are required to ensure they can field a team for an AFL match.