MEDIA RELEASE – Wednesday 28 July 2021
AFL Outer East wishes to provide the following update in regard to the resumption of football and netball, and the remainder of season 2021.
Following consultation with clubs, AFL Outer East has developed a set of key measurables that it will utilise for the remainder of the 2021 season:
- The wellbeing and safety of participants – competitions will only proceed with Government approval and in line with any restrictions.
- A commitment to complete the 2021 season, including a finals series (Junior and Senior).
- Every club plays each other at least once during the home and away season.
- Clubs play a minimum of two games prior to finals.
- Minimise financial impact on clubs where possible.
- Maximise participation across all grades.
SENIOR FOOTBALL AND ALL NETBALL COMPETITIONS
Senior football, netball (junior and Senior), Under 19s and the Under 17 Saturday competition will resume on Saturday 7th August.
The home and away season will extend for one week, with fixtures pushed back. Games scheduled for July 31st will now be played on August 7th with each subsequent round to follow.
Key to this decision was consultation from clubs, in particular:
- Challenges playing under heavy restrictions.
- Provide a block of training prior to recommencement given the amount of time missed.
- Provide as many games for participants as possible, factoring in the 2020 season was cancelled.
- Financial pressure from lost home games and functions.
All Senior finals series will now be shortened to a three week Top 6 System.
Premier Division Finals will begin on Saturday September 11th, Division One Sunday September 5th, and Division Two Saturday August 28th.
Following the loss of several rounds and an inequitable draw, Division Two will now revert to a Top 6 System, in line with Premier Division and Division One.
The Grand final dates remain unchanged.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
This will resume on Sunday 1st August under the restrictions in place by the Victorian Government and in line with AFL Victoria protocols.
Training may resume on Wednesday 28th July, with a get in, get out approach to take place.
Junior Football will resume with finals for the lower age groups and Round 14 in the older age groups.
Junior Football Grand finals will now be held on August 22nd and 29th.
WOMEN’S & VETERANS
Training can resume as a get in, train, get out scenario from Wednesday 28th July.
Women’s finals will begin on Sunday 1st August. We will be live broadcasting a women’s final this Sunday.
Veterans finals will begin this weekend with discussions to be held with participating clubs tomorrow about a preferred match day (Saturday/Sunday). The veterans were moved to the alternate date to avoid a clash with Junior Grand Finals, with many players involved in Junior Football.
The Grand Final date for both Women’s and Veterans will now be on August 15th.
ENDS
