Tigers premiership duo test positive to COVID-19

Richmond’s pre-season preparations have been dealt a setback with premiership duo Dion Prestia and Noah Balta testing positive to COVID-19.

Both Prestia and Balta are in isolation after contracting the virus, with all their close contacts identified and tested.

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Despite Prestia and Balta’s positive tests, Richmond’s first-to-forth year players will be able to resume pre-season training on Monday as previously planned, according to a report from The Age.

It is unclear whether Prestia and Balta are fully vaccinated, although Richmond has stated that all male and female players have had at least one jab, with all players to be double vaccinated by December 6.

Richmond’s AFLW program has also been interrupted after a player tested positive in October and was required to isolate per government regulations.

The Richmond premiership duo’s positive tests come after Hawthorn youngster Finn Maginness also tested positive to COVID-19 ten days ago, while Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell also tested positive.

Both Prestia and Balta endured injury-interrupted seasons in 2021, with Prestia managing just nine games, while Balta appeared in 14.

All players and football department staff will be required to fully vaccinate in order to partake in both the AFL and AFLW seasons in 2022.

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