AFL Barwon abandons plan for modified senior footy and netball seasons

AFL Barwon is abandoning its plan to run modified senior football and netball competitions in 2020 due to a lack of teams taking part.

In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the league’s governing body said the cancellation of all local senior home and away competitions led to strong initial interest in the format, but “a senior modified competition for both sports is no longer feasible”.

“While a small number of Geelong Football Netball League clubs remained interested, with some of those clubs only fielding a football or netball side and some indicating they could pull out at any stage, the considerable lack of team numbers means we will not continue with a modified senior competition.”

Based on club feedback, other reasons not to pursue a modified season included:

• Potential for injury given the limited preparation which may affect a player’s season for 2021
• Continued uncertainty surrounding statewide restrictions, and
• COVID-19 cases increasing in Victoria.

“The intention of the format was for it to be played under less burden for volunteers and allow the public to watch football and netball,” AFL Barwon said.

“However, following AFL Victoria’s updated Return to Play protocols- particularly regarding ‘necessary’ spectators, this is no longer achievable.

“AFL Barwon will now assist clubs in senior practice match co-ordination if and when clubs wish to proceed, as well as the continued management and implementation of required protocols.

“It remains AFL Barwon’s intention to play junior football and netball from July 18 as previously communicated, and senior female football in 2020, where we have a great opportunity to showcase and shine a light on these competitions.”