VFL set to launch 2020 season on August 1 with eight teams
The VFL will take place as an eight-team competition this year, with clubs to return to training in less than a month after the season was delayed by COVID-19. This is when the 2020 campaign will start.
AFL
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The VFL will be handed a 2020 lifeline, with an eight-team competition to start a seven-round home-and-away competition and finals series from August 1.
The Herald Sun can reveal AFL Victoria told clubs on Tuesday afternoon that they would be able to return to full contact training from Monday July 13 and then begin playing on Saturday August 1.
No AFL-listed players will take part in the competition but the eight clubs will be Box Hill, Casey, Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Werribee and Williamstown.
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The competition will include a bye after Round 4 and culminate in a Grand Final on October 10, with the season finishing in time to hand over grounds to cricket for a start date on October 17-18.
AFL state league competition boss Tristan Salter told clubs on Tuesday afternoon, saying it was now safe to begin playing VFL football under social distancing guidelines.
“We want to thank the Victorian Government for their support of Victorian football and thank the wider Victorian community — for an environment where VFL can resume,” he said.
“In line with the variations to the women’s competition this year, the focus for both VFL and VFLW football in 2020 is to ensure talent in both leagues are provided with the best opportunity to develop as footballers and ultimately reach the elite level.
“The VFL Competition will look different in 2020, but in consultation with all eight clubs, have developed a model which enables a fair and equitable season for our fans, clubs, players, coaches and officials. The VFL community has been patient and committed during this time and all players and coaches are ready for training and matches to resume.
The Herald Sun revealed in May those eight teams had banded together to put proposals to the AFL to ensure players would be able to play in an abbreviated season.
It will mean the dozens of players who are desperate to put their names forward for draft consideration will be able to show their wares in at least seven weeks of a home-and-away season.
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The league will provide a fixture in coming days, with clubs having volunteered for their players to play for free if required to get the season underway.
It is now yet known if there will be a salary cap or if players will be paid.
“While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we hope to start and finish the 2020 VFL season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalised with the public health officials,” Salter said.
“We know how much these competitions mean to players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans and we look forward to working together to ensuring all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment.”
Originally published as VFL set to launch 2020 season on August 1 with eight teams
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