Announced on Thursday, AFL clubs will be permitted to call on their 20-strong contingency squad in the event of a significant COVID-19 outbreak, or resulting health and safety protocols, among the senior and rookie-listed squads.
Where clubs have less than 28 squad members available because of COVID-19, lists can be activated and members will be permitted to play matches.
Echuca’s Sam Reid, who finds himself on Melbourne’s list, said there was a couple of teams wanting to add him to their list, but he had made it pretty clear he was not playing anywhere apart from the Murray Bombers.
“Melbourne was one of the teams interested in adding my name, so I told my manager to go in that direction. I think they will win it, so that is why I chose Melbourne,” he said.
Reid said the chances of him actually appearing with Melbourne were "very slim“.
The lists have been adopted as a last resort option for COVID-19-stricken clubs, but with cases already emerging in several camps, it won’t be out of the question to see these utilised during the season.
More than a dozen familiar — or soon to be — faces across the Goulburn Murray region also join Reid on the contingency lists.
With players set to be sourced from state level clubs, Reid — Goulburn Valley League club Echuca’s star recruit — has been added to Melbourne’s contingency list as a member of VFL affiliate Casey Demons.
Euroa recruit Paul Hunter is on Port Melbourne’s list and can be called upon by Brisbane Lions in the case of a COVID-19 scare at the club.
Will Hayes, Zavier Maher and Matt Shannon are on Carlton’s contingency list.
Rochester’s Joe Atley, a player at VFL level for Essendon, is available for the Bombers’ AFL side if required.
Former Echuca player Angus Byrne has also found a spot in a contingency squad, listed for Geelong, as are Kade and Josh Chalcraft, Tom Panuccio and Liam Fiore.
Mansfield’s James Cousins can be called upon by GWS via Williamstown, with Angus Hicks on stand-by for Richmond.
Leitchville export Marty Hore has found a new home with North Melbourne’s VFL side, and has also been added to the Roos’ COVID-19 contingency squad.
Barooga recruit Kyle Dunkley is on board for Sydney via the Northern Bullants, and Nathan Drummond could line up for the Western Bulldogs.
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