Novavax approval in Australia could pave way for Jack Darling to rejoin West Coast Eagles ahead of round one

Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Camera IconThere is fresh hope Jack Darling could rejoin West Coast this season. Credit: Iain Gillespie/The West Australian

The government’s approval of the Novavax vaccine has left the door ajar for Jack Darling to play for West Coast in round one.

It comes as Darling was still absent at Eagles training on Monday despite claiming last week he was on sick leave.

Novavax will be rolled out in Australia from February 21 after the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation gave the vaccine the green light.

There is speculation Darling would consider the new protein-based vaccine, allowing him a second chance at returning to the Eagles this season despite missing Friday’s first-dose deadline.

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If Darling received his first dose on February 21 when Novavax becomes available, the 29-year-old would be eligible to receive his second jab three weeks later on March 14.

West Coast are due to host Gold Coast in round one six days later on Sunday, March 20.

Darling would still face significant challenges to remain in playing condition with proof of vaccination set to be required at gyms and fitness centres from January 31.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the approval of Novavax was “very important news” in a bid to immunise vaccine-hesitant Australians.

“If you do have a contraindication, for those for whatever reason have not felt comfortable joining the program so far, this is your opportunity,” Hunt said.

Darling was still absent at training on Monday despite sensationally accusing the club of lying about his vaccination status, writing on social media ‘”I have been diagnosed with suffering from a work related injury and as a result I am on sick leave until further notice.”

It left West Coast significantly short up forward in a half of match simulation.

Camera IconCallum Jamieson, Jackson Nelson and Josh Kennedy run laps at West Coast training. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Josh Kennedy, who is tipped to retire at the end of the year, was restricted to jogging laps.

While spearhead in waiting Oscar Allen was also withheld from match simulation, completing some drills with the main group before continuing to be managed with extra running on the back oval.

Without their entire three-prong attack, the Eagles were forced to restructure.

Jake Waterman (193cm) was stationed at full forward at one end, manned by Harry Edwards while Bailey Williams (201cm) went head-to-head with Tom Barrass at the other end.

The pair were supported by a fleet of small to medium forwards, forcing the midfield to rethink their ball movement inside 50.

Waterman kicked two goals, including one out the back, rewarding his end-to-end running.

Camera IconOscar Allen was held out of match simulation at Eagles training on Monday. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Uncapped West Coast tall Callum Jamieson is another option but continues to build back from off-season knee surgery.

Elliot Yeo rejoined the main group during the early stages of the session but didn’t take part in match simulation.

The midfielder continued to be managed on the back oval instead, working with a coach on driving his legs through congestion and further conditioning running.

Camera IconIs Bailey Williams set for a role up forward this season? Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Jack Redden continues to progress after off-season shoulder surgery, marking overhead and playing an active part in match simulation albeit while wearing a bright yellow non-contact cap.

Sam Petrevski-Seton, Liam Duggan, Luke Edwards and Zane Trew were other Eagles on light duties throughout the two hour session.

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