Good Friday changes approved

THE BFL is set to feature two matches on Good Friday in 2020 following a decision from AFL Barwon to move the Torquay and Ocean Grove fixture forward a day.

The Tigers had initially requested the Round 2 match be played on Good Friday but were knocked back, with the league opting instead to schedule Portarlington and Newcomb in a stand-alone clash.

But following further discussions between AFL Barwon and Ocean Grove, Torquay was granted its wish to host the blockbuster battle a day earlier.

“We did request it but it was more about the fact there is a music festival in Torquay on Easter Saturday,” Torquay president Jenny Wood said.

“So that would have been a little bit of a nightmare having 10,000 people at a music festival and a footy match all at the same place, especially with all of the traffic and everyone that was going to be there.

“We had to get Ocean Grove over the line more than AFL Barwon, but both football and netball agreed to move it to the Friday which is good.

“It will probably be a twilight game and it is really good for the town and the community, and a good starting point for Easter. If it is decent weather we will get a good crowd there so we are really happy and pleased to get it over the line.”

The fixture looks to be full of big games for Torquay, who fell to Barwon Heads in this year’s grand final by 14 points.

“Normally we play Round 1 against Ammos but we decided to go with Modda this year, and that will be a twilight game,” Wood said.

“In return we will have a stand-alone game against Modda on July 4 during the bye.

“That will be great for both clubs, and that is at Modewarre, and we will just have our bye the week after.

“We also have ANZAC Day at home against Anglesea and we will have a ceremony for that, and that is on a Saturday which is a bonus, so it is a good fixture for us this year and there are no Sundays, which is even better.”