Trent Cotchin did not train on Wednesday due to illness.Credit:Getty Images
Earlier on Thursday,Richmond had toldThe Age that although Cotchin had been feeling unwell and had missed training on Wednesday,he was still a chance to line up for the season’s first bounce,describing him as “very much in the mix”.
Though Richmond has not disclosed Cotchin’s illness,any player who has experienced cold and flu symptoms would be required to return a negative COVID-19 test before being allowed to play.
The AFL said it was vital that any player with those symptoms,like any member of the public,be tested and confirmed negative to the virus before returning to the workplace.
The Tigers willunfurl two premiership flags (2019 and 2020) in front of a sellout crowd capped at 50 per cent capacity,and if Cotchin takes his place,will be close to full strength.