PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 30: Charlotte Thomas of the Eagles in action during a West Coast Eagles AFLW training session at Mineral Resources Park on October 30, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images)
Friday night's AFLW clash between St Kilda and West Coast has been postponed as the Eagles' squad faces growing COVID-19 cases.
Both sides were scheduled to make the trip to Skybus Stadium in Frankston for the match, with a maiden win of the season on the line for the two sides.
Having already had their original Round 4 plans moved forward due to the AFLW's own battle with the pandemic, the fixture has now been scrapped.
Due to limited availability, the match has been postponed from the Round 4 schedule, with clubs required to have 16 players (along with five top-up players) available.
"Despite our best efforts and controls several staff and players are now isolating within our Melbourne accommodation under AFL Health and Safety protocols," General Manager of Community and Game Development, Richard O'Connell said.
"We are continually monitoring the health and wellbeing of all players and staff, I’m pleased to report all are in good spirits and not requiring medical support.
"This, combined with injuries and a suspension has significantly impacted our player availability for the match against St Kilda.
"Collectively we are disappointed not to be able to take the field and show our supporters how hard we have been working to learn from our past games, but player/staff health and wellbeing remains our key priority.
"We thank St Kilda for their understanding regarding the postponement, and look forward to playing them when the AFL reschedule our match.
"Thank you to our supporters, partners and well-wishers – the travel party value and appreciate the messages we are receiving and it’s fantastic to know they have our backs."
The Eagles are currently residing in Melbourne in order to aid the AFLW's fixture planning, with a return to Western Australia currently planned for Round 7.
Michael Prior's side are also currently scheduled to play their Round 6 clash against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Tuesday, which may also be postponed given the short turnaround.
The Western Bulldogs have had their past two matches postponed due to positive COVID case numbers, with clashes against the Lions and Suns yet to be rescheduled.