Casey Demons withdraw from the 2020 VFL season
Only seven teams will contest the shortened VFL season after the Casey Demons withdrew from the competition in a heavy blow for the league, which had already been depleted by the withdrawal of AFL teams.
Victorian Football
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The Casey Demons are out of the shortened VFL season.
The Demons withdrew from the competition this morning, citing medical advice about the health risk to players and officials.
They informed the other clubs and VFL officials of their decision at a link-up at 11am today.
With Melbourne setting up camp at Casey Fields, the Demons had been forced to train elsewhere and were still trying to find a home ground.
They cancelled training last night.
It’s a heavy blow for the state league, which had already been depleted by the withdrawal of teams from the AFL clubs.
Seven clubs will now contest the season: Box Hill Hawks, Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Williamstown and Werribee.
The VFL said today that Casey withdrew after advice from club medical experts relating to the risk of transmission in the local area.
The Demons decided the safest option was not to participate in 2020.
“The health and safety of everyone involved in the VFL competition and the wider community remains paramount and we will continue to be led by the State Government and relevant medical officials,” AFL head of talent pathways and state league competitions Tristan Salter said.
“We acknowledge and understand the difficult decision Casey Demons have taken today and we will continue to help and support all VFL clubs as we prepare for a VFL season that prioritises the safety of everyone involved.
“The VFL competition will look different in 2020, while the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we hope to start and finish the 2020 VFL season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols.”
“The VFL return-to-competition protocols were developed in consultation with the Victorian Government and health authorities and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment.”
Melbourne general manager of football Josh Mahoney said Casey was disappointed for the players, coaches and staff.
He said they had been excited to begin training and by the prospect of getting a season underway, but respected the club’s decision.
Casey Demons will be nominating VFLW players to participate in the VFLW Rebel Super Series in September.
The VFL season is scheduled to start on August 1, have seven rounds and three weeks of Full-contact training will resume on Monday, July 13.
The AFL will provide an update in the coming days on the revised fixture, season details and broadcast arrangements.
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