Adelaide Footy League reveals plans for changes to 2021 finals series and grand final

Huge changes to the Adelaide Footy League’s finals series and top five format have been revealed as the competition seeks to finish its Covid-impacted season.

The Adelaide Footy League finals will be slashed in half and reduced to a top four format across all divisions due to SA’s fortnight-long sport shutdown.

All men’s finals are set to be hosted over two weekends at gated ovals with pre-existing Covid-management plans only – including SANFL venues – following an agreement with SA Health.

The changes were revealed on Wednesday after a meeting of the league’s executive committee on Monday.

Tea Tree Gully coach Justin Maschotta, co-captains Chad Schoenmakers and Blake Penney celebrate winning the 2020 division two grand final, which was played at Norwood Oval. Picture: Brenton Edwards

It means fifth-placed teams, who would normally secure a finals spot, will instead miss out on playing in the major round across all men’s A, B and C grade divisions.

Divisions two to seven will play their grand finals on Saturday, September 11 with division one to take place on September 18.

Preliminary finals will be played the Friday night and Saturday prior to the deciders, condensing the tradition four-week series to two.

First will play fourth and second will take on third with the winners facing off in the grand final in each grade.

League chief executive John Kernahan said financial performance, community engagement and player participation were among the considerations behind how the competition would finish the season.

Adelaide Football League chief executive John Kernahan. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“We are making a very conscious effort to find a balance between what we are able to deliver and not risking the league’s financial performance which is ultimately taken on behalf of 67 clubs, not just those participating in finals.

“The league has other stakeholders to negotiate with … however, our most recent collaboration with SA Health has left us both clear and without many options to extend any season.

“Unfortunately, it is prudent to advise that whilst we have taken this position, we are also subject to change and remain prepared for that to unfold.”

Goodwood Saints after winning last season’s division one premiership. Picture: Dean Martin

Kernahan said the league was in the process of negotiating the use of SANFL and its own clubs’ venues with pre-existing Covid-management plans.

The majority of Adelaide Footy League ovals are not gated and unsuitable for use due to SA Health’s requirement to track and trace spectators.

The competition was forced to make similar plans last season after the 2020 season was heavily affected by lockdowns.

While the top flight was scheduled to finish a week later than the other divisions, its grand final could also be brought forward to August 11 if the final round matches prove to be dead rubbers.

Division one was in the middle of a split round when the SA lockdown came into force and the remaining two matches have been moved to the end of the season.