Fremantle Dockers chief executive officer Simon Garlick has confirmed the test results of a Fremantle player sent for precautionary COVID-19 testing have come back negative.

“I am very pleased to confirm that the player’s test result has come back negative,” Garlick said.

“Given the club’s position in the community, we made a decision on Monday afternoon to take a very conservative approach even though the player did not fit all the WA Health Department criteria for COVID-19 testing.

“We understand the high level of interest surrounding one of our players being sent for precautionary testing for COVID-19.

“The facts are that the player presented with flu-like symptoms after being in contact with a friend who had visited China, even though that person had self-isolated for 14 days following his return to the country and hadn’t displayed any symptoms of the virus.

“It was another two weeks after the isolation period that the friend visited the player late last month.

“We felt it was important to be proactive and diligent to ensure the safety of our players, staff and broader community.”