Senior coach Ben Rutten has entered the AFL’s health and safety protocols and is isolating as a household contact.

All players and football staff have completed rapid antigen tests as normal before entering the NEC Hangar on Wednesday morning.

Senior assistant coach Blake Caracella will coach the side on Sunday against Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.

General manager of football Josh Mahoney said Rutten would follow the necessary protocols over the coming days. 

“Ben has tested negative but is a household contact and will isolate for the required period of time. We understand this is the landscape and like many other clubs at the moment, will adjust to the situation accordingly,” Mahoney said.

“As such, while Ben will remain involved in the program remotely. Blake Caracella will take on the duties of the senior coach position in Ben’s absence over the coming days, with our program remaining fully focused on our preparations for Sunday’s game against Adelaide.”