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VFL to press ahead without Demons
Damien Ractliffe
By Damien Ractliffe
July 3
AFL Victoria says it will press ahead with an August 1 start to the VFL season, despite Casey Demons withdrawing from the competition on Friday.
Just seven clubs remain in the revamped VFL competition – Box Hill, Coburg, Frankston, Sandringham, Williamstown, Werribee and Port Melbourne – and are expected to play each other once in a six-round season before a finals series.
Casey Demons have withdrawn from this year's VFL competition.
Casey Demons have withdrawn from this year's VFL competition.CREDIT:CHRIS HOPKINS
Clubs will return to full-contact training from Monday, July 13, before a season launch between Coburg and Sandringham.
"The health and safety of everyone involved in the VFL competition and the wider community remains paramount and we will continue to be led by the state government and relevant medical officials," AFL head of state league competitions Tristan Salter said.
"We acknowledge and understand the difficult decision Casey Demons have taken today and we will continue to help and support all VFL clubs as we prepare for a VFL season that prioritises the safety of everyone involved.
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"The VFL competition will look different in 2020, while the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we hope to start and finish the 2020 VFL season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols.
"The VFL return-to-competition protocols were developed in consultation with the Victorian government and health authorities and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment."
AFL-affiliated clubs have also withdrawn from the VFL and are currently playing scratch matches between each other to maintain overall squad fitness.
In a statement released on Friday, Melbourne's general manager of football Josh Mahoney said an increase in coronavirus cases in Victoria forced the club's hand.
"Following advice from club medical experts due to the risk of transmission and our own risk assessment, we have decided this was the best option for the club," Mahoney said.
"Whilst we were originally comfortable running the program under the VFL protocols and the introduction of our own, the increase in community cases across Victoria has contributed to this decision.
"The VFL and the other seven clubs have worked diligently and collaboratively in supporting each other throughout this process. We’d like to thank them for their support.
"We are disappointed for our players, coaches and staff. They were excited to begin training and the possibility of getting a season underway, but they fully respect the club’s decision."
A revised VFL fixture and broadcast arrangements will be released in coming days.
Damien Ractliffe
By Damien Ractliffe
July 3
AFL Victoria says it will press ahead with an August 1 start to the VFL season, despite Casey Demons withdrawing from the competition on Friday.
Just seven clubs remain in the revamped VFL competition – Box Hill, Coburg, Frankston, Sandringham, Williamstown, Werribee and Port Melbourne – and are expected to play each other once in a six-round season before a finals series.
Casey Demons have withdrawn from this year's VFL competition.
Casey Demons have withdrawn from this year's VFL competition.CREDIT:CHRIS HOPKINS
Clubs will return to full-contact training from Monday, July 13, before a season launch between Coburg and Sandringham.
"The health and safety of everyone involved in the VFL competition and the wider community remains paramount and we will continue to be led by the state government and relevant medical officials," AFL head of state league competitions Tristan Salter said.
"We acknowledge and understand the difficult decision Casey Demons have taken today and we will continue to help and support all VFL clubs as we prepare for a VFL season that prioritises the safety of everyone involved.
RELATED ARTICLE
The VAFA season has been cancelled for 2020.
AFL 2020
VAFA pulls pin on season after latest lockdown
Add to shortlist
"The VFL competition will look different in 2020, while the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we hope to start and finish the 2020 VFL season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols.
"The VFL return-to-competition protocols were developed in consultation with the Victorian government and health authorities and we will continue to work closely with them to ensure all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment."
AFL-affiliated clubs have also withdrawn from the VFL and are currently playing scratch matches between each other to maintain overall squad fitness.
In a statement released on Friday, Melbourne's general manager of football Josh Mahoney said an increase in coronavirus cases in Victoria forced the club's hand.
"Following advice from club medical experts due to the risk of transmission and our own risk assessment, we have decided this was the best option for the club," Mahoney said.
"Whilst we were originally comfortable running the program under the VFL protocols and the introduction of our own, the increase in community cases across Victoria has contributed to this decision.
"The VFL and the other seven clubs have worked diligently and collaboratively in supporting each other throughout this process. We’d like to thank them for their support.
"We are disappointed for our players, coaches and staff. They were excited to begin training and the possibility of getting a season underway, but they fully respect the club’s decision."
A revised VFL fixture and broadcast arrangements will be released in coming days.
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