Local footy 2020: EDFL reveals return-to-play dates
The Essendon District Football League has taken a significant step in its bid see football played in 2020, releasing provisional start dates for its competitions.
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The first bounce of the Essendon District Football League is a step closer after the competition unveiled its return-to-play dates.
Subject to further advice from the State Government and AFL Victoria, the senior campaign will start on Saturday, July 25, when Division 1 and 2 clubs are set to take the field.
The Premier Division season will then start on August 1, with all three grades having a nine-round home-and-away fixture.
All divisions will feature a traditional top-four finals series, with the Division 1 and 2 seasons set to conclude on the weekend of October 10, while the Premier Division grand final will be staged on October 17.
It is likely senior clubs will be vying only for a premiership, with promotion and relegation on hold for one year, while player payments have also been scrapped.
The women’s competitions will start on July 25 and finish by October 3.
The junior boys and girls divisions will kick off on July 19 and finish with a decider between the top-two ranked clubs on September 27.
Local leagues have until the weekend of October 17-18 to complete their seasons after a deal was struck between Cricket Victoria and AFL Victoria.
“These dates will remain provisional until official government and AFL Victoria return-to-play protocols, including protocols relating to crowd attendance, are finalised and approved,” the EDFL said in a statement.
“Confirmation of all fixtures and finals structures will be announced in coming weeks.”
Optimism has grown in recent days that EDFL clubs will be in action this year.
On the back of the State Government loosening restrictions, clubs can start contact training from July 13, 12 days before Division 1 and 2 clubs are set to lock horns in Round 1.
Clubs are seeking clarity on crowds, health protocols and the impact on volunteers, but there is a strong desire to proceed.
The EDFL, Victorian Amateur Football Association, Western Region and Southern leagues are prepared to wait until next week to make a final call.
EDFL chairman Bernie Shinners and chief executive Ian Kyte have met with the presidents of all 28 senior clubs in recent weeks.
It is understood 24 clubs – amounting to 85 per cent – are keen to play, while four remain uncertain and need key questions answered before being convinced.
It appears unlikely a club will withdraw if the EDFL stages a season.
Nineteen senior competitions across Victoria have cancelled their seasons, including Melbourne’s Northern and Eastern leagues.
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