Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League cancels 2021 season after lockdown extension

The final siren has been blown on the 2021 MPNFL season, with the decision made on Thursday morning.

Frankston YCW’s BJ Credlin takes a mark against Rosebud. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The final siren has been blown on the 2021 MPNFL season.

AFL South East announced on Thursday the stop-start season had been cancelled.

The decision came after Wednesday’s State Government announcement of an extension to lockdown in metropolitan Melbourne until at least September 23.

The MPNFL had been aiming to finish its season with finals.

It played no played football last year because of Covid.

In a statement, the league said it was yet to be determined if premierships will be awarded.

“Following on from yesterday’s announcement to extend the lockdown for Greater Melbourne, it is with much sadness that AFLSE has determined that the remaining games fixtured for season 2021, including all finals, for all AFLSE administered leagues will be cancelled,’’ it read.

“This is an extremely difficult decision and we had continued to hold hope that we would be able to complete our respective seasons.

“However, it has become clear over the last 24 hours that it will not be possible to return to football in the Greater Melbourne area in the near future.

“We wish to thank all club officials, players, volunteers, umpires and our partners for their willingness to remain flexible and for their understanding throughout the year in very difficult circumstances.

“We will work with all leagues to manage the impact this decision has, including whether premierships will be awarded, in due course.’'

AFL SouthEast said it would run its virtual awards night for each of the competitions “to provide a positive closure to the season’’.

Hastings’ Sean Hewitt tries to grab Karingal’s Lachlan Hinde.

The Essendon District, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Riddell District, South Metro Juniors, VAFA and Western Region leagues have also abandoned their 2021 seasons.

The VFL announced on Wednesday that it had pulled the pin on the season.

AFL Outer East is meeting with clubs on Thursday night and will reveal its intentions on Friday.

The cancellation is a blow to many MPNFL clubs eager to play finals and chase an elusive premiership.