AFL Outer East: Senior men’s season cancelled, but door ajar for women’s, juniors and netball
The latest community football competition has made the decision to call it quits for 2020 amid the coronavirus crisis, leaving one standing.
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AFL Outer East has cancelled its shortened season, just days after announcing it was set to take the field.
The call was made on Thursday morning, shortly after the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s decision on Wednesday night to call it quits for 2020.
The competition had announced on Sunday that it would operate a truncated season comprising of one division and 8-10 clubs, which was due to kick off on August 1.
But in a backflip overnight, AFL Outer East said it simply could not go ahead with the latest crowd restrictions in place following a second outbreak of coronavirus in Victoria.
It also confirmed the VAFA’s decision last night did not influence its final call.
“In an already compromised season, a tightening of protocols and ever-changing landscape made returning in 2020 unfeasible and unsustainable for Senior clubs,” an official statement said.
“We have exhausted every possible avenue, including the implementation of alternative competition models.”
The league will, however, stick with its plans to field women’s football and netball competitions this season from August 1, as well as junior football including under-18s from July 25 and 26, and junior netball from July 25.
“Our focus now shifts to our Junior and Female competitions, where we have a wonderful opportunity to showcase and shine a spotlight on these competitions,” the league said.
“As per our return-to-play guidelines, each competition across the AFL Outer East will be assessed independently in regards to a return to play.”
AFL Outer East joins in excess of 40 grassroots football competitions across the state to pull the pin on their respective seasons, leaving just the Southern league to make a final decision.
Entry into all operating AFL Outer East competitions will be on an opt-in basis.
“We will work with clubs to support and prepare them for the implementation and management of all required protocols in returning to competition,” the league said.
“Entry of teams will be optional for clubs and the structure for the 2020 season will be confirmed next week once team nominations are finalised.”
Outer East thanked its clubs for their support throughout the COVID-19 shutdown and said they had laid a solid foundation to return in 2021.
“The commitment to well-being, connectiveness and mental health of participants and the community has been outstanding,” the league said.
“Our clubs have set great foundations to return stronger than ever in 2021.”
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