Statement from Georgia Patrikios:

I firstly want to thank the St Kilda Football Club, its members and the broader public for the privacy and respect that has been afforded to my family and I over the past few weeks.

I’ve been taking some time away from the club to consider my options and dissect my own feelings about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. At this time, I remain unvaccinated, however I’m committed to learning more, consulting with additional medical professionals and continuing to discuss this with my family before ultimately making a final decision.

I recognise that my personal timeline does not align with the AFL mandate and as a result I am currently unable to complete my duties at the club. The Saints could not have been more supportive throughout this period, and I thank them all – from Board members, senior club leaders, my coach Nick Dal Santo to my teammates - for their support and patience.

While I continue to educate and arm myself with as much information as possible to help me make this decision, I ask for continued privacy. Thank you.

Statement from Matt Finnis, St Kilda CEO:

We respect Georgia’s right to take her time in making this decision and she has our support while doing so.

However, our Club also fully supports the vaccination requirements of the Victorian Government and the AFL and encourages all of our people and the broader community to get vaccinated.

The Club has opted to not place Georgia on the inactive list at this time, however we will obviously need to revisit this decision in coming weeks pending Georgia’s position as the commencement of the AFLW season fast approaches.