Suburban football league books venue for October grand final if required
The Northern Football League is considering extending the season into October with a traditional grand final venue booked if restrictions allow.
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A suburban Melbourne football league might have found an answer to its finals conundrum.
The Northern Football League has access to at least one venue that isn’t used by cricket, which would allow the season to be extended if needed.
It is understood the league has booked Whittlesea Showgrounds, which hosted three Division 3 grand finals in 2019, for the first weekend in October.
Whittlesea Showgrounds is not used by cricket, unlike traditional grand final host Preston City Oval or women’s grand final venue Epping.
The NFL’s current finals roadmap has a September 18-19 deadline for the men’s Division 1 and 2 seasons.
The Division 3 grand final is scheduled for September 11 and the women’s deciders for September 5.
Pushing back the season finales could allow all leagues at least play a grand final, pending government restrictions ending in time.
Restrictions are currently in place until at least September 9.
Clubs will have a big say on whether the season is extended past its current deadline with training capabilities and player availability critical.
If forced the league also has the AFL Grand Final public holiday on Friday, September 24.
The AFL is also considering bringing its biggest day forward to September 18, depending on state border restrictions, leaving the entire weekend of September 25-26 to fixture grand finals.
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Netball grand finals will be harder to reschedule due to indoor restrictions typically easing slower than outdoor restrictions.
Section 1-6 grand finals are set for September 17 and Section 7-13 for September 10.
Meanwhile, the Rosbrook Medal count will be held virtually this season.
The NFL will announce in the coming days the date for the league’s best-and-fairest night with several scenarios under consideration.
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