Essendon District Football League announces plan to finish 2021 season

The Essendon District Football League has decided to keep relegation in place this season despite games being lost to COVID-19 lockdowns.

Rhys Fynch of Craigieburn battles with Chase Dawson of Doutta Stars. Picture: Hamish Blair

The Essendon District Football League hopes to return to action on September 11 for a shortened finals series.

The league has also confirmed it will enforce relegation this year despite six weeks of the home-and-away season being lost in three separate COVID-19 lockdowns.

With Melbourne’s current lockdown not due to end until September 2, the EDFL has reduced its finals across all grades to a cutthroat top-four, two-week series with grand finals to be played on September 18.

The planned return allows for the AFL Victoria recommendation that leagues give players seven days of training after a break of more than four weeks.

Bryce Healy in action for Taylors Lakes. Picture: Hamish Blair

Participating clubs would not have played a senior game since July 31 or trained since early August.

Venues are yet to be confirmed.

The announcement will see Strathmore, Keilor, Aberfeldie and Maribrynong Park vie for the Premier Division crown.

East Keilor, Tullamarine, Airport West and Westmeadows are confirmed finalists in Division 1 and Moonee Valley, Oak Park, Coburg Districts and East Sunbury in Division 2.

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However, it’s bad news for Craigieburn and Taylors Lakes.

Both teams were winless when the regular season was called off and will drop down to Division 1 and Division 2 respectively.

The decision is in contrast to the neighbouring Northern Football League, which elected not to enforce relegation this season.

The Western Region Football League is yet to announce its plans.