AFL Outer East: Just a couple of pieces need to fall into place to complete the July 25 jigsaw
AFL Outer East today released its return to play road map and, if a couple of things fall into place, it has set a date for the first bounce of the season.
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AFL Outer East clubs can lace their boots for 2020 with a bit more clarity following today’s release by the league of a return to play road map.
While the final decision will hinge on State Government announcements expected on June 22, a tentative opening bounce has been pencilled in for July 25 with an 8-10 week season culminating in senior grand finals over the weekend of October 17-18.
But any season resumption will rest with a return to play date and crowd size restriction set by the State Government.
In a comprehensive 16-page document, the league outlined just what is required for competition to get off the ground this season and it will now await those pieces of the jigsaw to fall into place before meeting with clubs on June 23 and July 6 to put the final steps in place.
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Financial concerns and long-term viability of clubs have dominated suburban football discussions about whether a 2020 season is possible.
The AFL Outer East document states clearly that crowds of up to 500 with canteen, bar and gate revenue will be required for a senior season to go ahead.
Should the restriction of just 100 remain, the senior season will be cancelled.
Crowds of up to 100 with canteen facilities would be enough to get netball, junior footy, women’s and veterans’ footy up and running and these competitions can continue even if the league is unable to get senior footy on the park.
“A return to senior football must be financially viable,” the document says. “Crowd numbers and the ability to draw revenue through food and beverage sales is vital. A significant
reduction in costs and player payments is required to support this.”
To that end the senior salary cap will be greatly reduced: Premier Division set at $15,000, Division 1 at $12,000 and Division 2 at $10,000.
Earlier this week, the Eastern Football Netball League and Northern Football Netball League both cancelled their 2020 seasons and, while the league transfer window will remain open until June 30, the AFL Outer East has been quick to allay fears that a large number of players would now seek to transfer into the league.
“Should neighbouring leagues cancel their seasons prior to the transfer window closing, AFL Outer East strongly advises against clubs transferring players into the Outer East competition,” the document states. “Any transfer after a league cancellation must go to region general manager Aaron Bailey before lodgement for assessment. Player points allocation and ensuring local players continue to get a game should be considered by clubs.”
The league has also announced its likely format for the season, with divisional football remaining in place, an even number of home-and-away games, a top four format prior to a three-week finals series and grand finals in mid-October.
The senior season can start no later than August 1 for this to be possible.
Should the regular season be cancelled, the league is looking at a number of options, a Plan B, which could include a shortened social competition in August/September, graded with reduced match time in a conference system or a knockout system like the FA Cup.
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