Decision on Northern Football League season could be made this week
With the next rounds of government restriction relaxations and a meeting with AFL Victoria this week, a decision on the Northern Football League season could be made in the coming days.
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A decision on the 2020 Northern Football League season could be made as early as this week.
As pubs, clubs and cafes open in Victoria for the first time since March, the State Government is expected to announce the next round of restriction relaxations.
Those could include increased groups for outside activities in the short term, which could see the NFL sanction club training.
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The announcement could also confirm whether larger gatherings, such as local football crowds, would be allowed in the coming months if the COVID-19 curve continues to flatten.
AFL Victoria and the six senior metropolitan leagues – WRFL, EDFL, NFL, EFL, SFL and VAFA – will meet on Tuesday.
A decision on the 2020 NFL season could be announced on Friday.
While some Melbourne metropolitan leagues have allowed clubs to return to training, it is understood a return to play date is critical if the NFL is to allow clubs back on the park.
The league is mindful of costs associated with training that would waste club resources if a season does not go ahead.
The impact on volunteers is also a major factor, as clubs must implement health and safety measures, tightly control player interaction and limit access to wide open public grounds.
AFL Victoria has increased its recommended training protocols to groups of 20 players but still no contact drills are allowed.
There is a growing pessimism in clubland that the season will not go ahead.
The majority of clubs want football to return for well-being of the players and the community, to continue the path back to the new normal and for the sport itself.
However, they are also aware of the financial impact a return to play could have.
Clubs face costs of $30,000-$50,000 costs before a ball has been bounced with council fees, league fees and utilities just some of the expenditure.
While some players and coaches would happily return for free in 2020, others might be struggling financially and need to work weekends.
The transfer market is also a looming issue if the six metropolitan leagues do not come to an agreement on the season going ahead.
Should players from the NFL be allowed to scrap existing contracts if the league decides to look to 2021 and cross to a league that has resumed?
Will those players return to their clubs when football does return or remain at their new homes?
As the shutdown continues, clubs and players just want a decision to be made.