The AFLW's plans for this week's qualifying final between Brisbane and Collingwood are up in the air, with the match likely to be postponed following the request of the Magpies.
A wave of COVID complications have wreaked havoc on Collingwood's AFLW side just days out from their final against Brisbane.
The Magpies were scheduled to venture to Queensland for Saturday afternoon's clash, however a recent spike in COVID cases and players placed in isolation has placed a substantial headache on Steve Symonds's planning.
Reports suggest Collingwood would struggle to field the required 16-listed players, with top-up players able to be utilised to fill remaining squad positions, with the Magpies requesting the game to be delayed.
"The health and safety of everyone in the game and the wider community remains paramount as we progress the 2022 NAB AFLW Competition," an AFLW statement reads.
"The AFL confirms it has received a submission from the Collingwood Football Club under the AFLW Covid-19 Match Rescheduling Guidelines with multiple players from the club currently in AFL Health and Safety Protocols. The AFL will work through this and provide an update on the impacts to the scheduled Brisbane Lions vs. Collingwood match as soon as it is in a position to do so."
The countering qualifying final between the Dockers and Kangaroos is set to remain as scheduled for Saturday afternoon.
The Magpies were forced to postpone a zoom media conference with Symonds on Wednesday as the club looks to combat the recent COVID crisis.
Collingwood would have entered the match unfavoured even with a full-fit list, with the Lions having enjoyed a strong finish to their home and away season.
AFLW matches can be postponed or cancelled should a club be unable to name at least 16-listed players for the game, a challenge the AFL has already been forced to work through across the course of this season.
Collingwood will already be without Sophie Casey due to suspension, after the defender was handed a one-game for forceful front-on contact on Richmond's Tayla Stahl.
The Magpies' AFL coaches Brendon Bolton and Josh Fraser, as well as player Will Hoskin-Elliott, are currently in isolation as they undergo the league's health and safety protocols.
