Liam Jones’ AFL future hangs in the balance while he remains unvaccinated.
Jones was publicly named as the Carlton player refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine, a decision that has put his career in jeopardy.
All AFL and AFLW players and staff must be fully vaccinated to train, play and enter club facilities by February 18 2022, as part of the league’s vaccination policy.
Richmond veteran Jack Riewoldt says the Blues have a major decision to make when it comes to deciding Jones’ future at the club.
The 30-year-old has become a key cog in Carlton’s defence and is contracted for next year.
“I think this was inevitable. It’s a very, very strong stance,” Riewoldt told SEN Hobart.
“I didn’t know whether we would see it in Australian sport. I say it’s inevitable, but I still had a gut-feel that it would be done by every player so they can continue to keep their jobs.
“But Liam Jones finds himself as the trailblazer and doesn’t want to get the COVID vaccination.
“There’s a spot on the list coming up to the draft, if he doesn’t get vaccinated in the next two weeks I think it is, then he can actually lose his job, he could be delisted.
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How does Carlton replace Liam Jones on the field in 2022?
“That’s something that Carlton have to really think about. He’s not going to be able to travel, he’s not going to be able to train, and they’ve got to make the decision whether to keep him on the list or if they go to the draft and select another player.
“It’s certainly a big hill to die on.”
Jones was named as the first AFL player to refuse the COVID vaccine. Crows AFLW defender Deni Varnhagen is also refusing to get the jab.
Senior Blues player are due back for pre-season on December 6.
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