Geelong league would be first big country domino to fall

THE Geelong Football Netball League would be the first major country competition to be abandoned if the season is called off tonight.

AFL Barwon’s commission will meet today to deliver a verdict on if games will start.

The GFL has played every year since its inception in 1979 and the BFL was set to mark its half-century this year, but a 50th season would have to wait until 2021 if the decision is made to cancel matches.

Major country leagues, including Bendigo, Ballarat, Ovens & Murray, and Gippsland, have deferred a decision until later this month. The expected easing of restrictions in Victoria may pave the way for organised community sport to start when the announcement is planned for June 22.

Metropolitan competitions the Eastern and Northern leagues cancelled their seasons last week, but the VAFA is aiming for a July 25 start.

“Both the EFNL and NFNL believed that cancelling their competitions is the only viable decision that will ensure the long-term sustainability of their clubs and the leagues,” the leagues said in a joint statement.

AFL Barwon released a statement on May 22 saying the commission would meet as normal on June 9 “and make a definitive decision on the 2020 season”.

“While it remains AFL Barwon’s intention to return to play … the health of our region can never be compromised and that remains paramount in decision making for players, coaches, volunteers and supporters,” the statement said.