VFL clubs say they’re ‘hopeful’ of getting a season up
It’s been a long waiting game for VFL clubs but, after meeting with the AFL, they say they’re doing everything they can to get on the ground this year.
Paul Amy, Leader
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May 23, 2020 3:00pm
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VFL clubs remain hopeful of getting a season underway, but say they’re looking for a “road map’’ to push things forward.
Representatives from eight clubs – Box Hill, Casey, Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Werribee, Williamstown – spoke to the AFL on Friday about the prospect of play in 2020.
They were encouraged by Cricket Victoria’s decision to allow AFL Victoria to fixture football finals in the first three weeks of October.
The clubs released a statement today saying the AFL and other sporting bodies continued to talk with the State Government and medical authorities to “explore the potential for a full return to train and a return to play plan for the VFL’’.
“VFL clubs continue to ensure alignment with the advice of the State Government, and in the event of a further easing of restrictions, remain hopeful of a return to play in 2020,’’ the statement said.
Williamstown’s Jaylon Thorpe.
“There is a clear understanding at all levels — government, league and clubs — of the need to advise the players, staff and community of a ‘road map’ for a return to playing sport.
“While there is no set time frame for the State Government to deliver this information, there is a focus to provide this as soon as possible.’’
But the clubs said while the State Government regulations were a key component of the VFL or VFL W season starting, other issues needed to be resolved.
They included:
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■ FINANCING the competition in the absence of crowds.
■ HEALTH protocols to ensure the safety of players and club staff and volunteers.
■ INSURANCE for the players.
The clubs said they were addressing them with the AFL.
“Certainly, yesterday’s announcement from AFL Victoria and Cricket Victoria confirming the ability to extend a football season into October 2020, is a positive outcome for this purpose,’’ the statement said.
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“In the interim, each club is determining their own approach to when they decide to bring players back to training from the target date of June 1, given the individual positions in respect to ground availability, staffing and costs.’’
If the VFL season does kick off it will be without the teams from AFL clubs Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.
It’s understood some clubs have also sounded players about playing without payment, as is happening in the SANFL this year.
Coburg GM Sebastian Spagnuolo said whichever it went, the VFL clubs believed they had done everything they could to get a season going.
You never know what the future holds Billy but if things work out ok we might well and truly see eight old vfa clubs at it this year. At least we can enjoy even a short 10 week season of nostalgia. Would be great. Totally agree Frankston park lit up would look great. They should fixture the dolphins in a night game against either port or Willy. Maybe both if they have 2 night games.
If it's played late August or September then it could be a real winner. Any earlier it may be too cold for a night match at Frankston and the Port and dolphin fans may need to resort to high volumes of alcohol to keep them warm - then again you don't have to ask those two groups of supporters too many times for a drink or 10 !!!!
In reply to If it's played late August or by MegaA
Frankston were originally scheduled 2 night games in June so playing at night in July or August would be similar
I see that according to the Hun that Port have the begging bowl out again!Maybe should have saved some of the Pokies money over the years like Williamstown has.
The borough want to raise $200,000. They have $185,000 to go. Wonder how local clubs who have splashed their dollars for years like Balwyn and deer park are coping ?
In reply to I see that according to the by billythekid
Billy, Maybe that GREAT Port stalwart Scott Cam could tip a bit in from the handout he received from his GREAT mate Scott Morrison !!
SANFL season starting June 27/28
no spectators first 2 rounds then be reviewed
no excuses for there not to be a vfl season
Can the AFL circus get any lower ??? REALITY TV AFL CIRCUS
Fake crowd noise has been added to Bundesliga broadcasts, and it's coming to the AFL
Dortmund fans have been absent from the stadium since the Bundesliga restarted, but on TV, you can still hear them.(AP: Martin Meissner)
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-28/fake-crowd-noise-bundesliga-afl-…
I dont think its such a bad idea at least there would be some sort of atmosphere.
The stupid RL are going for cardboard cutouts of fans heads at $24 a throw!Its not even an original idea as the German soccer has already tried it.
I won't be watching afl with fake crowd noises. Richmond my team i will only watch with muted sounds. That's about it. Can't wait for some vfl and local footy to watch live. Middle of July maybe ?