Essendon coach John Worsfold during their pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour. Picture: AFL Photos

JOHN Worsfold will throw himself into some online study as the Essendon coach faces two weeks of self-isolation following his return to Western Australia.

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The Bombers coach, who will hand over the senior reins to assistant Ben Rutten at the end of 2020, returned home to Perth on Wednesday.

However after the WA Government implemented border controls on Tuesday that forced arrivals from interstate to self-isolate for 14 days due to the COVID-19 crisis, the former West Coast premiership captain and coach faces some more time away from family.

Essendon coach John Worsfold and his senior assistant coach Ben Rutten. Picture: AFL Photos

"I managed to get back to Perth yesterday, but I'm in self-isolation now for 14 days. I couldn't get back prior to the WA borders closing, so that's the reality of it but it's something I felt I needed to do," he told SEN. 

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"My family were going to come over for round one, so that was planned and that then couldn't take place because of everything that was happening. 

I've managed to get home which is critically important for me and my family.

- John Worsfold

I'm here for the next two weeks at least as we wait to see what the next move has to be." 

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Worsfold's family is based in Perth and the 51-year-old has spoken about the pull of Western Australia during his stint as Essendon coach, which is into its fifth and final season this year. 

He said he aims to use the shutdown period constructively, with the AFL season postponed until May 31 and clubs closed to players and staff. 

"I've got plenty to do, I'm going to do some online study. I've cranked things up already and I mowed the lawns yesterday afternoon. I'm very quickly going to run out of things to do but I'll manage," he said. 

Essendon started its season with a close win over Fremantle last Saturday at an empty Marvel Stadium.