Local footy called off

Newtown & Chilwell captain Matt McMahon and his St Mary’s counterpart Jack Blood. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

AFL Barwon has ruled out re-scheduling this weekend’s cancelled Bellarine and Geelong League matches.

BFL Round 9 and GFL Round 7 contests and GDFL, junior and female games have been called off following the Victorian Government’s announcement of a seven-day COVID-related lockdown earlier on Thursday.

AFL Barwon says it will follow the COVID functional framework provided by AFL Victoria, which means – at this stage – the BFL and GFL seasons will only feature 17 rounds.

“With the situation constantly evolving and uncertainty on what 2021 may hold, it is our belief this framework will give our competitions and clubs the best opportunity to have a fair and equitable season,” AFL Barwon said in a statement.

The abandonment of the round will also impact each club’s salary cap, but not finals eligibility.

“Also per these AFL Victoria by-laws, should a round be abandoned, the Allowable Player Payment Cap shall immediately be calculated on a pro-rata of games played,” AFL Barwon said.

“Finals eligibility will also remain as previously stipulated at this time.

“These processes apply to all AFL Barwon sanctioned junior and senior competition, including GFNL, BFNL, Female Football, and has also been adopted by the CDFNL.

“As an independent league, the GDFL is also working through their competitions next steps and will communicate to their members accordingly.

“Whilst the interruption to community sport is disappointing, we anticipate there will still be plenty of football and netball played this year when it is safe to do so, and hopefully this is as soon as next weekend.”

Twitter: @tom_king79

AFL VICTORIA COVID FUNCTIONAL FRAMEWORK

Impact of a COVID Interruption on a Single Round
– Should an entire Round of matches be abandoned, no points or percentage shall be awarded to any
team
– The season shall recommence with the next scheduled round.
– The season shall continue until the original finals are scheduled to commence

Impact of a COVID Interruption on Consecutive Rounds
– Should consecutive Rounds of matches be abandoned, no points or percentage shall be awarded to any team for the abandoned Rounds
– The season shall recommence with the next scheduled round.
– The season shall continue until the original finals are scheduled to commence.