Uni calls time on 2020 AFL season

THE University Cougars have made an important announcement regarding their status in the 2020 AFLDD competition.

YEAR OFF: The University Cougars will not take part in competitions across the AFL Darling Downs in 2020. Picture: File

AUSSIE RULES: While the AFL Darling Downs is inching closer to kicking off its season, one of the major players ha withdrawn from all competitions for 2020.

The University Cougars will not take part in any grades this year, with the impacts of COVID-19 leaving the club in a compromised position.

Senior men’s coach Tony Bullen said the logistics presented by the pandemic have left the Cougars unable to meet guidelines.

“The club doesn’t have the personnel to abide by the coronavirus regulations,” he said.

“The only practical decision was to sit the season out. With the shortened season, we thought it was for the benefit of the club, particularly with the uncertainty of everything going on.

“We’ve already started planning for 2021.”

Bullen said the decision has been met with support from those at the club, albeit a tough call to make.

“It’s not a decision that was taken lightly,” he said.

“We spoke to all stakeholders in the club, including coaches, sponsors and life members, before we came to the decision. They all thought it was the right one.

“Because we’re such a big club, we required a lot of personnel to fill all the protocols, and there was a lot of hurdles to clear before the season even started.

“If we couldn’t guarantee that we could do it properly, it would be reckless of us to play.”

As for the fate of Cougars players, Bullen said they were allowed to explore other playing options for the year.

“We’ve spoken to players. That was all part of the process,” he said.

“They’re allowed to go on a Type 2 COVID permit, which means they don’t have to be cleared for this season.

“A few are looking to go to Brisbane, and quite a few are just happy to have the year off.”

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