SUNS’ SEASON NOW OFFICIALLY FINISHED
FOOTBALL VICTORIA PULLS SHUTTERS DOWN ON SEASONS, MEANING GOULBURN VALLEY NOW PUTS FEET UP
The inevitable became reality on Friday when Football Victoria announced a mass cancellation of this year’s season for all metropolitan Melbourne competitions.
The code’s governing body made the call two days after Bendigo Amateur Soccer League announced the end of its season.
Included in the cull is National Premier League Two, the division Goulburn Valley Suns currently compete in.
A statement released by Football Victoria chief executive Kimon Taliadoros and president Antonella Care confirmed the decision was made with the state’s unfolding COVID-19 situation in mind.
“The lockdown extension through September, with no guaranteed timeframe for a safe return to football, leaves us with no choice but to cancel the 2021 season for all metropolitan Melbourne competitions,” the statement read.
“We know this news is disappointing, particularly following last year’s abandoned season.
“Winter sport has borne the brunt of lockdowns and in turn, the impact on our football community has been immense.
“Our clubs, associations, officials, administrators, volunteers and players have bravely weathered the storm, rallying through each round of restrictions, showing a resilience that I know will keep our community strong through yet another challenge.”
All GV Suns senior and junior seasons are included in the cancellation.
The club posted a statement on Facebook thanking its members for being involved during the season and gave a nod to next year.
“The club would like to thank all of our players, members, families, supporters and partners for all of the commitment, hard work and dedication that you’ve shown to us during the year,” the post read.
“We are in the process of planning for 2022 and will provide further information regarding next season in the coming weeks.
“Whilst this news is disappointing, we hope that keeping in line with the government’s vaccination plan to move forward through the pandemic, football for next year will return, bigger and better than ever, to the sport that we are used to, the sport that we all know and love with zero to minimal disruption.”
Finishing in joint third, the Suns’ seniors enjoyed one of their best runs in the NPL2.
Coach Craig Carley found much to take away from the season, praising his charges for their hardiness throughout what was a a stop-start campaign.
“Overall I’m really proud of the club for the way we’ve performed from top to bottom,” Carley said.
“From a senior perspective, we proved we were more than a match for every team and I feel we played an excellent brand of football — we didn’t shy away from that when we had a bit of a rough patch which was really encouraging.
“To be joint third at this stage of the season reflects that the club is moving in the right direction and is something to be proud of.”
Carley also thanked the work of all participating members who helped get football off the ground this year.
“I can’t thank enough the work of the committee, coaching staff, officials players and spectators for everything this season,” he said.
“The board have gone above and beyond and we are definitely proving what great local talent we have by competing with the best teams in the state.
“I’m very proud with how we have gone and look back on the season as a success; now to sit down and plan for season 2022.”