The Ballarat Football and Netball League has joined all metropolitan leagues in pulling the plug on competition for 2021.
After forcing the abandonment of the 2020 season, COVID-19 restrictions have now spelled the end of the delay-plagued 2021 season.
The Ballarat FNL board last week announced the “tough decision” to cancel the 2021 senior competition finals series would also apply to BFLW Women’s competition.
The state government announcement that metropolitan restrictions were unlikely to ease until at least September 23, combined with the unlikely ability of community sport to return to competition from that date, meant that the earliest the finals could be conducted would be October 9, given the need to provide a minimum 14-day period for training.
“It is the belief of the board, given the above, certainty should be provided to our many players, volunteers and supporters who have been in a holding pattern as we live through the current COVID-affected period,” a spokesman said.
The highest-ranked clubs will be recognised as “2021 Minor Premiers” in each grade, meaning North Ballarat take the title in the seniors after finishing one win ahead of Melton.
Restrictions mean the Henderson Medal for the best and fairest senior footballer and Sally McLean Medal for the best and fairest A Grade netballer will be held as an online event on September 15.
Riddell District FNL also joined all metropolitan leagues in deciding to cancel all competitions for the remainder of the 2021 season, a frustrating end to the year for Diggers Rest who finished third on the ladder.
General manager Jordan Doyle said the decision was an extremely difficult one and has not been made lightly, with all leagues working diligently in the hope of enabling the remaining games in the 2021 season to be played.
“Unfortunately, after weeks and months of competition changes and plans being altered, yesterday’s state government announcement regarding another lockdown extension has meant our football and netball seasons are over for 2021,” he said.
“Thanks to everyone in our community for their tireless work keeping the flame going for 2021.
“We are already looking forward to our competitions starting in April 2022 for hopefully an uninterrupted season.”
Benjamin Millar
