Hawks Head of Football Rob McCartney said it was important for the club to take a “cautious” approach after one of its players tested positive to COVID-19.
Finn Maginness tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday after experiencing cold-like symptoms that morning.
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He entered isolation while awaiting his test result and is now quarantining as per the AFL and Victorian government's protocols.
Speaking on SEN Drive on Wednesday, McCartney said the club had gone through security footage of training areas to identify potential close contacts after Maginness visited the club on Monday.
“Because there is so many cases out there in the community at the moment, we needed to swing into action, and we felt it was important for us to take a lead on this,” McCartney said.
“Even though it’s a cautious approach, it’s the right approach for our people, their families, friends and broader community.
“We’ve got a small number of players and football department staff that we’ve been more or less overly cautious with.
“Even though the Department of Health hasn’t got to a stage where they have identified close contacts, we’ve identified people that we think in the best interest of their own health that they isolate at the moment.”
All close contacts of the positive case been tested and since returned negative results, but will continue to isolate for the seven-day period.
McCartney said Maginness was comfortable in taking a stance in the hope of normalising the situation.
“Why should we hide from the fact someone has COVID-19? Why should there be a stigma with actually having COVID-19?” McCartney said.
“Finn was living his life in exactly the way and manner we should’ve been, we’ve opened up and he’s been enjoying some of the freedoms, but it wasn’t like he’s attended big events.
“He was just enjoying the fact that life has accommodated a few more freedoms and unfortunately, somewhere he has contracted this virus.
“He’s the poster boy of doing exactly what he should’ve done – he isolated himself from the rest of his family, rang our club doctor and then arranged to get a COVID-19 test immediately and then returned to isolation.”
McCartney said Maginness is in “good spirits” as he remains isolated.
“He has absolutely done everything that he should’ve done,” he said.
All Hawthorn players are either fully vaccinated or are scheduled for their second dose in the coming days.
