Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has urged the AFL to postpone the West Coast Eagles' upcoming game against the Brisbane Lions because of the club's injury and illness crisis.
The club currently have 18 players out due to either injury or health and safety protocols, leaving them with just 20 players fit to play, while senior coach Adam Simpson will also miss the game as he isolates with Covid.
In a recent interview on Fox Footy's AFL 360, the Tigers forward was asked by cousin Nick Riewoldt what his opinion was, as a current AFL player, on the situation at West Coast.
“I reckon they’re beyond it (the precipice) at the moment. That injury list there and Covid protocol list. It‘s unfair,” Riewoldt said.
“I think they should (postpone the game). It’s not to their detriment - the reason they’re in this situation is because their government held different border restrictions to the rest of Australia.
“That’s not West Coast or Fremantle’s fault but now they’re certainly paying a heavy price for it, or certainly West Coast are paying a heavier price than Fremantle so far.
“They’ve got four blokes that they are going to call from WAFL - not only is it affecting the AFL but then the teams that they’re picking from the Western Australian Football League is affected too.”
Riewoldt also commented on the fact that his own side gained a percentage boost due to their win over the Eagles last week, and how it would continue to negatively affect the Eagles.
“Let‘s say Brisbane play about half a West Coast side and have a big win - we gained 20% last week. That’s massive,” he said.
“You play West Coast twice this year, a depleted West Coast, which is nothing to do with them, then you’re getting 40%, that’s huge when finals rolls around.”
West Coast and Brisbane will do battle at the Gabba on Saturday night, with the first bounce set for 7.25pm (AEST).
