SANFL to wait for AFL, until after May 10 for decision on state league and local footy seasons
A decision on SANFL, suburban and country football league seasons are close but will wait on plans for the AFL’s return plan to be revealed in two weeks before an announcement.
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Local football leagues will wait until the AFL’s return to play plans are revealed before making any call on when their own seasons will get underway.
Football authorities across the country are waiting to see if restrictions on sport and gatherings will be lifted by the State and Federal Governments on May 10, when the national cabinet has indicated it will review the rules.
The AFL’s plans for the return of elite football are expected to then be unveiled that week.
The SANFL had planned to provide an update for both state league and grassroots competitions by the end of April.
All SA football competitions have been postponed until at least June due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, SANFL head of community football Tom Hurley said an update for resuming local football would only be determined following an announcement by the AFL.
“As a result of these developments and reviews, the timetable we will now work to has been revised,” Hurley said.
“Pleasingly, the Federal and South Australian government are well aware that it will be vital for local sport to resume and re-connect support networks that are currently stretched or not operating,” Hurley said.
“We continue to focus on being aligned with the advice of the government and the relevant medical authorities and are ensuring everything we do protects the health and safety of our participants and wider community.
“We thank you for your patience and ongoing collaboration as the planning continues to evolve, and we look forward to being able to provide a more robust update to you following the planned elite game announcement in the second week of May.”
South Australian cricket associations are willing to work with football leagues to share ovals should the winter sport need to push beyond its traditional season end date.
Initial discussions have been held between key stakeholders including the SA Cricket Association, SANFL and Adelaide Footy League.
The cricket season typically begins in October, when football leagues and clubs hand over grounds and facilities, and runs until March.
Solutions might include cricket delaying its early October start to allow football to finish its season.
Curators would need several weeks to transform ovals from football to cricket-ready by preparing turf wickets.
If cricket bodies do come to the table for a compromise, it could provide a crucial few weeks extra time for football leagues to play more meaningful seasons and finals past September.
SACA Premier Cricket manager Steven Busbridge said the association was willing to come together for a plan to satisfy both sports.
“The key messaging is that once dates are released by the government etc then we would work with the football governing bodies on a solution for cricket and football to be played,” Busbridge said.