St Kilda Football Club can confirm that Senior Coach Brett Ratten will miss the club’s Round 5 clash against Gold Coast, having been placed under the AFL’s COVID Health and Safety Protocols yesterday afternoon.

Senior Assistant Coach Brendon Lade will assume the primary coaching role while Ratten is in isolation.

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“Brett undertook a rapid antigen test yesterday afternoon after developing minor symptoms at home that morning and it returned a positive result,” Head of Football David Rath said.

“Pleasingly, he is feeling well and early signs are pointing to him returning to our program once his isolation ends.

In the meantime, we’re well placed in that we have a very knowledgeable and experienced coaching team who will be able to physically step in while Brett is away from the club.

- David Rath

“Brett will still be a big part of our preparation for the game and we’re looking at ways we can involve him on Saturday, but Brendon is more than capable to lead the charge.”

At this time, Ratten is the only member of the football department observing COVID Health and Safety Protocols.

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