The AFL has lifted its vaccine mandate, changing its policy to “strongly encourage”, rather than compel, players and football department staff to receive the vaccination.

It had been compulsory for AFL and AFLW players to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to play this year.

The decision will enable St Kilda’s Georgia Patrikios to begin training with the Saints before the next AFLW season in August, having stood out of the season earlier this year.

It also opens the door for former Blue Liam Jones to resume his career, with the ex-Carlton defender retiring before this season as a result of the AFL’s no-jab, no-play policy.

Several clubs are exploring the option of adding Jones to their list in 2023, and the Blues are expected to seek some compensation for losing the key defender.

The league confirmed it told club chief executives of the decision on Thursday afternoon, with the changes in line with government policy.

It will mean prospective draftees who aren’t vaccinated can enter the system, as will staff who left their jobs as a result of the compulsory vaccination policy.

In a statement, the league said the decision to drop the vaccination mandate was made after a review and a risk assessment, but the AFL remained “strongly of the view that vaccinations (including recommended booster shots) are the best form of defence in minimising the impacts of COVID-19 – but not as a standalone solution.”