Cats’ COVID top-up list confirmed

Geelong VFL ruckman Ryan Abbott has been added to the Cats’ AFL COVID Contingency List. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

A FORMER Geelong and St Kilda ruckman, an ex-Sydney defender, and a former Fremantle midfielder are among the players on the Cats’ COVID top-up list.

Each club has nominated 20 players who can be activated if impacted by the AFL’s health and safety protocols.

Ryan Abbott, who played five AFL games for the Cats and one for the Saints, and Matt Ling (four games with the Swans) were already on Geelong’s VFL list, predominantly making up the 20.

Brett Bewley, who played 25 games in three seasons with the Dockers, has been added to the Cats’ VFL squad.

He is aligned to Darley in the Ballarat Football League.

Reigning GFL rookie of the year and leading goalkicker Tom Gillett, also listed with NAB League Geelong Falcons, may also be called upon.

“Over the last two seasons, the AFL has put measures in place to best protect the competition, our clubs, players and umpires,” AFL football boss Brad Scott said.

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,”

“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.”

Under the guidelines, a club can activate a contingency player to train with it if its list of active players drops to 30 due to COVID.

If that list drops to below 28, a top-up player would be eligible to play if the protocols impact the number available.

Twitter: @tom_king79

GEELONG COVID CONTINGENCY LIST