Essendon head coach Ben Rutten has entered the AFL's health and safety protocols, after being forced to isolate due to becoming a household contact. Rutten will be forced to watch the Bombers' Round 4 clash against the Crows from his home.
Former Bombers player and ex-Geelong and Richmond assistant Blake Caracella will take charge in the coaches' box for the matchup, as Essendon look to get their first win of the season after starting 0-3.
The Dons confirmed on their website that all players and staff have completed rapid antigen tests prior to entering facilities, as normal.
General manager of football Josh Mahoney confirmed that Rutten wasn't a positive case but would still follow the necessary protocols over the next week.
"Ben has tested negative but is a household contact and will isolate for the required period of time. We understand this is the landscape and like many other clubs at the moment, will adjust to the situation accordingly," Mahoney told essendonfc.com.au.
"As such, while Ben will remain involved in the program remotely. Blake Caracella will take on the duties of the senior coaching position in Ben's absence over the coming days, with our program remaining fully focused on our preparations for Sunday's game against Adelaide."
