Victorian Government restrictions hold back country footy

Country footy competitions are again being put on hold with many frustrated by the state government’s cap at venues including players and officials.

Country footy is again in a holding pattern in different parts of the state. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images for TLA Australia)

Country footy might be allowed to return this weekend, but some don’t see what benefit it would have for clubs.

Victorian Government restrictions, which come into effect tomorrow morning, means only 150 people can attend a venue including players and officials.

In many regional areas, clubs are connected with footy and netball, meaning that figure would almost be exceeded with participants only.

The decision has seen a number of competitions across the state call off games which had been scheduled or rescheduled, due to previous cancellations, for this weekend.

Western Eagles senior coach Craig Hardingham said it would not have been financially viable for games to go ahead without crowds.

On Thursday morning, AFL Barwon confirmed all Colac and District senior games had been cancelled again.

“Clubs need to make money and if there are no crowds they’ll be in a worse position than they already were,” he said.

“As much as everyone at the club wants to play there is a financial aspect which needs to be covered.

“Footy and netball returning has been very important for clubs in communities such as ours and people are desperate for it to come back.

“Even if restrictions are eased again next week, there will be questions asked if it is worth games being played again.”

Competitions on the NSW-Victoria border have again opted to move their games into NSW to allow for greater crowd sizes.

One of those includes the Ovens and Murray League with officials even scheduling a double-header at one venue to ensure the round of matches could be completed.

Ovens and Murray League general manager Craig Millar said his competition were in a ‘fortuitous position”.

“It’s a challenging situation for everyone but especially our Victorian clubs,” he said.

“Learning from discussions we’ve had with our clubs we need about 750 people to come through the gates to ensure the home side is benefiting.

“We don’t want to be taking away from our Victorian sides but it’s necessary for games to go on and hopefully they can get a few back later in the season.”

For a second straight weekend, the Picola and District League will also head north operations manager Shane Railton confirmed.

“We normally average 300 paying customers coming through the gates and that’s non-including the paid-up members of clubs,” he said.

“The NSW Government puts the onus on the individual, while the Victorian Government is putting the pressure on clubs. It’s a lot of hard work for volunteers.

“We’re lobbying the government to match the rules in the border communities because it would make life easier for everyone involved.”