BFNL cancels finals

FINALS in the Ballarat Football Netball League senior compertiions have been cancelled for 2021.

A statement released by the league’s board on Wednesday night said that ongoing lockdowns, especially in Melbourne were the main reason for decision.

“The announcement today by government that metro restrictions will next be considered for easing on September 23rd gives a clear timeframe of how the balance of the season could progress,” the statement said.

“With the unlikely ability of community sport to return to competition from this date, the earliest a game of football and netball could be conducted would be October 9th, given the need to provide a minimum 14-day period for training.

“This period would take the date of return beyond the leagues previous latest date of October 2nd.

“It is the belief of the board, given the above, certainty should be provided to our many players, volunteers and supporters who have been in a holding pattern as we live through the current COVID affected period.”

The BFNL has three clubs within the Melbourne metropolitan lockdown areas, Melton, Melton South and Sunbury.

The decision to cancel the finals also applies to the senior BFLW competition which had teams from Melton set to play in the post-season.

With no premiership being played in the senior, reserve or under 19 football and grades A to E and 19 and Under netball leagues this year, the statement said that the, “the highest ranked clubs will be recognised as ‘2021 Minor Premiers’ in each grade.”

The count for the Henderson Medal and the Sally McLean Medal will take place online on 15 September.

Decisions on the league’s junior completions and BFLW youth and girls finals will be made on 6 September.

“On behalf of the league board, thank you to every player, official and volunteer for their patience and resilience as we tried to get the best possible outcome for the Ballarat FNL and member clubs,” the statement concluded.