April Brandley last night departed Perth and will miss the GIANTS’ scheduled round five match against the West Coast Fever on Monday Night.
Having been in Melbourne to play the Vixens last weekend, a decision was made for the team to relocate early given the anticipated travel restrictions as a result of the evolving coronavirus situation in Victoria.
Brandley travelled with her 15-month-old son and the rest of the GIANTS team to Perth on Thursday morning, three days earlier than the original planned travel date.
After departing Sydney at 9:30am on Thursday morning, a change in border restrictions was announced while the team were in the air, meaning that upon arrival into Perth at 12:30pm (AWST) the team adhered to the Western Australian government protocols and were tested for COVID-19 and directed to self-isolate.
The GIANTS remain in isolation and were granted approval for a 1hr COVID-safe training session yesterday and subsequently an exemption to play Monday night’s match was confirmed late yesterday evening.
GIANTS Netball General Manager Tim Underwood said:
“It was untenable for April to remain in hotel quarantine with a small child with no understanding on when the team may be granted an exemption.
“We appreciate the efforts of Netball WA, West Coast Fever and Suncorp Super Netball delegates in working through the ever-changing COVID situation while acknowledging the lack of clarity around our situation has provided a difficult lead-in to an important match for our players and staff.
“We now look forward to taking on the Fever on Monday night.”
