Country football: Future of football season hangs in balance
Just weeks out from finals, Victorian football leagues are faced with abandoning games or pushing back their seasons, as the state’s lockdown continues.
Victorian football leagues have been forced to put their seasons on hold once again as the state’s fifth lockdown continues.
All leagues remain in limbo as they are currently waiting on further advice from the government and AFL Victoria, as they deal with the second lockdown of the season.
NSW towns in border leagues are currently not under the same restrictions but have also had to pause their seasons.
AFL Victoria have released a recommended framework for return to play — with 13 different scenarios covered based on when in the season play will be allowed to restart.
However, the final decision on whether finals are pushed back or begin right away will be up to individual clubs.
“Regarding what this means for community football matches fixtured during the lockdown period, independent leagues are ultimately responsible for determining the approach they will take regarding interruptions to their competitions,” a statement on AFL Victoria’s website said.
Upper Murray Football League wrote on Facebook that they would be convening for an online meeting tonight to discuss their future, while other leagues were waiting on more advice.
“(We) are still considering several scenarios in consultation with our clubs we attempt to navigate the impact of the current Victorian lockdown on our season,” Bendigo Football Netball League manager Cameron Tomlins said.
“There will be more discussions this week as the board attempt to determine the best plan to revive our season. We acknowledge the uncertainty is frustrating for all involved, however want to avoid confusion by making a premature decision that needs to be amended again if we are further impacted by the lockdown in the coming week/s,” he said.
East Gippsland Football League’s Rod Twining is also hopeful they will be able to continue play, but are wanting more clarity around the situation.
“Without any details it is very hard to plan the remainder of the season,” he said.
“We hope to be able to play some additional home and away matches and then finals.”
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