AFL across Tasmania shut down completely until June

The AFL is “determined to be part of the whole of community response” to slow the spread of coronavirus, telling local Tasmanian football leagues and Auskickers to postpone all games and clinics.

Southern Football League grand final 2019. Lindisfarne V Huonville at North Hobart Oval. Lindisfarne after their win. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

FOOTBALL across Tasmania is about to shut down completely until June after the AFL directed all community and country associations to postpone the start of their seasons.

The coronavirus crisis delayed the start of the season for TSL, TLSW, Tasmania Devils boys and girls under-18 NAB League teams until May 31.

After a broad consultation with football administrators from around Australia, the AFL on Tuesday delayed the starts of the season to competitions around the nation.

That means Auskick is now on ice along with all of AFL Tasmania’s academy programs, and leagues like the SFL and Old Scholars must delay the start of their rosters.

In a release, the AFL said: “The AFL has advised independently governed junior and senior leagues and associations to postpone the commencement and/or operation of their leagues/associations until the same date [May 31].

“This … covers AFL community matches, AFL community training sessions and face-to-face AFL, WAFC and SANFL education courses.”

The AFL is “determined” to be part of the whole of community response to slow the COVID-19 virus down.

“In doing so, help the broader community and our health systems manage the situation,” the AFL said.