Essendon's AFL match with the Melbourne Demons has been postponed after Bombers star Conor McKenna tested positive for COVID-19.
The tests were done as part of the AFL's COVID-19 protocols.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan says McKenna picked up the virus this week, although the exact origins are still to be determined.
McKenna, who returned from his native Ireland this month, was due to feature for the Bombers in their round three clash at the MCG on Sunday.
McLachlan says Essendon players are in self-isolation and will be tested again on Tuesday.
"He is asymptomatic at the moment," McLachlan said of McKenna. "Hopefully, he stays healthy."
"We'll get through and it will be just another fork in the road this season."
McKenna was kept away from a training session on Saturday morning after the positive COVID-19 test result.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. Source: AAP
"We said at the outset of this crisis that we would make all decisions based on medical advice and our priority remains the health and safety of our players, staff and the wider community," McLachlan continued.
"That is priority one, priority two, and priority three.
"We need to do the right thing and the right thing for our club and the wider community is to postpone this match.
"Other matches will proceed.
"All Essendon players and staff were tested last night and Conor McKenna was the only one to return a positive test even though he was asymptomatic and showed no signs of having the virus."
The club is closed as cleaning takes place.
Bombers CEO Xavier Campbell said the AFL is working with the state's health authorities to conduct contact tracing to identify those who were in close contact with McKenna.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
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