• St Kilda star: She is taking the time to think about her options
  • Faces placed on inactive list, if she doesn’t take Covid jab

After Georgia Patrikios, a St Kilda midfielder, revealed that she has yet to decide if she will be vaccinated against Covid-19, the AFLW future is in doubt.

Patrikios is one the AFLW’s brightest young talents. She won St Kilda’s best and fairest award in both of her seasons, and was also named to the 2021 All Australian side.

Before deciding whether or not to get vaccinated, the 20-year old will need to take more time off from the club.

“I have been taking some time off the club to think about my options and deconstruct my own feelings about the Covid-19 vaccination,” Patrikios stated in a statement.

“At the moment, I am not vaccinated. However, I have a commitment to learn more, consult with additional medical professionals, and continue to discuss this issue with my family before making a final decision.

“I am aware that my personal timeline is not in line with the AFL mandate. I am therefore unable to fulfill my duties at the club.

“The Saints were so supportive during this time and I want to thank everyone, from the Board members, senior club leaders, Nick Dal Santo, and my teammates, for their patience and support.

“While I will continue to educate myself and arm me with as much information possible to help make this decision, it is my request for privacy to be maintained.”

Matt Finnis, chief executive of St Kilda, said that the club respected Patrikios right to take her decision slowly.

Finnis stated that the club supports the AFL and Victorian government’s vaccination requirements. He also encouraged everyone to get vaccinated.

“The club decided not to place Georgia on its inactive list at the moment, but we will need to reconsider this decision in the coming weeks as Georgia’s position changes rapidly.

Deni Varnhagen (a registered nurse and AFLW premiership winner twice) was transferred to the Adelaide Crows inactive roster because she opted against getting vaccinated.

After deciding not to take the Covid-19 jab, Liam Jones , a Carlton AFL player, announced his retirement earlier in this month.

Patrikios’s news came as a result of a GWS AFLW player testing positive for Covid-19. This forced three of her close friends into isolation.