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COLLINGWOOD is breathing a sigh of relief, with captain Scott Pendlebury returning negative test results for the COVID-19 virus.

Pendlebury had been quarantined away from staff and teammates and missed training sessions on Friday and Monday after presenting to the club late last week with cold-like symptoms.

He was tested for the COVID-19 virus, but tweeted on Tuesday with the news: "All clear!"

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard COVID-19 update: Players want more games, as AFL delays decision Join Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards for an update on season 2020 as the AFL continues to deal with the coronavirus crisis

The star onballer is now expected to return to training on Wednesday in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of the club's season-opening fixture against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley had earlier revealed that "three or four" Magpies players have been enduring cold-like symptoms recently.

Captain Scott Pendlebury will return to training on Wednesday after his test for the #COVID?19 virus returned a negative result. ???? pic.twitter.com/6x4PiJcrG8 — Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) March 17, 2020

"Pendles basically had a bit of a runny nose and was diligent in presenting that to the doc and there was enough there to warrant getting a test," Buckley told Channel Nine.



"I reckon that would be a consistent scenario across the 18 clubs.

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Footy Feed: COVID-19 crisis update Damian Barrett and Nat Edwards with an update on season 2020 as the AFL deals with the coronavirus crisis

"We're a little more aware of it because we understand that we want to keep this at bay as much as possible."

The AFL continues to navigate its next steps in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, with round one at this stage still expected to begin on Thursday night behind closed doors.

However, League CEO Gillon McLachlan said on Monday that should any player be confirmed with a case of COVID-19, the remainder of the round would called off for the integrity of the competition.