Game over: AFL pulls the pin on 2020 VFL season
The VFL season was due to start on August 1, but now — as Melbourne returns to lockdown restrictions — the AFL has made a decision the state league’s proposed seven-round season.
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The VFL season is over before it could begin.
The AFL announced today that the proposed seven-round season would be scrapped owing to the State Government lockdown of Victoria.
It was to start on August 1 but the government has responded to the surge in coronavirus cases by bringing in stage three restrictions until August 19.
The only reason people in the locked down areas will be allowed to leave their homes will be for shopping for essential items and food, medical reasons and caregiving, work and study, and exercise.
Clubs discussed the lockdown last night and the AFL released a statement at 12.30pm today saying the stage three restrictions had made it impossible to go ahead with a season.
The last time a VFA/VFL season wasn’t played was in 1944.
“All levels of the game across Victoria have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and the second wave of restrictions has made it difficult to conduct a fair and equitable season while preserving the integrity of the VFL competition,” AFL head talent and state league competitions manager Tristan Salter said.
“We acknowledge this is very disappointing news for the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of the VFL competition and commend every VFL club who has worked tirelessly to ensure a united approach to the outcome of the 2020 season.
“Following the updated restrictions announced by Victoria State Government yesterday, we explored many scenarios as to how we could still proceed with a condensed season in a non-traditional format. Ultimately it provided too great a challenge for all involved.”
Salter added: “The health and welfare of everyone in the VFL competition is paramount and we will work towards ensuring that while there is no VFL season being played they can still be involved in the game.
“It is a challenging time for the entire community and AFL Victoria will continue to act in line with Government advice to ensure it is in the best interest of all Victorians.”
AFL Victoria will continue to meet VFLW clubs to work towards the VFLW rebel Super Series for non-AFLW listed players in September.
With AFL teams withdrawing their VFL sides, eight teams were locked in for the VFL season: Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Williamstown and Werribee, as well as aligned clubs Box Hill Hawks, Sandringham and Casey Demons.
But the Demons pulled out last Friday, citing health concerns for their players and officials.