AFL Barwon sounds the final siren on 2021

THE few remaining sides that were hoping to compete for premiership glory will need to push back their ambitions to 2022.

AFL Barwon has today announced the cancellation of all Football and Netball competitions under their governance for a second-straight season.

The announcement came following the Victorian Government’s Roadmap to deliver the National Plan, outlining that community sport will only return to competition once 80% of all regional Victorians aged 16 years and older are fully vaccinated with an indicative date set for November 5.

“It is disappointing that we couldn’t finish what we started in 2021 after all the work put in by the clubs this season,” said Acting Region General Manager Sean Atkinson.

“It has been a challenging year for all the club volunteers who need to be commended for their tireless work to allow participants to play football and netball.

“The AFL Barwon Commission has endeavoured to keep the season going to try get a conclusion, however the decision was eventually made by the Victorian Government and the Chief Health Officer.

“I am extremely proud of the AFL Barwon staff for their excellent commitment and hard work throughout a difficult time for our community.”

There have not been any decisions made regarding recognition being awarded to the top sides according to AFL Barwon.

A separate decision will be made by the AFL Barwon Commission in the coming weeks.

Below is a list of all cancelled competitions as set forth by AFL Barwon:

• All Geelong Football Netball League Competitions
• All Bellarine Football Netball League Competitions
• All Colac & District Football Netball League Competitions
• All Senior and Junior Female Football Competitions
• All AFL Barwon Under 19 Football Competitions
• All AFL Barwon Junior Football Competitions
• All AFL Barwon Junior Netball Competitions

Regional football and netball competitions in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast Shire regions had been put on pause since Friday, August 20.