Covid Lockdown | 27th May 2021

In light of today’s announcement of a 7 day lockdown , we have cancelled all training tonight. Meals will NOT be on this week or next week and clothing sales will also be unavailable. The club gym and clubrooms are also closed.

AFL Barwon have released a media statement explaining the position of how the fixture and game points are handled in situations such as we find ourselves in.

Let’s hope the situation improves quickly and we can get back to playing. Keep your eye on the website and social media for updates.

AFL Barwon update following Victorian State Government announcement | May 27, 2021

Following the State Government’s announcement this morning (27/5) that Victoria will enter a seven-day lockdown from 11.59pm tonight to 11.59pm June 3, all community football and netball matches, training and Auskick will not be permitted to take place in Victoria during this time, per state government restrictions. This means fixtured competition this weekend will not go ahead.

Community sporting activity can still take place as scheduled up until 11:59pm on Thursday 27 May, provided existing COVID protocols as imposed by the government are adhered to.

We have never shied away from doing everything to prioritise the health and safety of the community, and this remains today. We also encourage everyone to comply with current restrictions.

Regarding what this means for fixtured AFL Barwon football and netball matches during this lockdown period, we have a process in place that will now be enacted.

AFL Barwon has prepared and aligned to AFL Victoria’s COVID Functional framework, designed to support Community Football for a Return to Play in 2021 and deal with scenarios like what we are faced with today. Outlined in this framework is the following by-laws that will be adopted for the coming rounds.

Impact of a COVID Interruption on a Single Round

  • Should an entire Round of matches be abandoned, no points or percentage shall be awarded to any team
  • The season shall recommence with the next scheduled round.
  • The season shall continue until the original finals are scheduled to commence

    Impact of a COVID Interruption on a consecutive Rounds
  • Should consecutive Rounds of matches be abandoned, no points or percentage shall be awarded to any team for the abandoned Rounds
  • The season shall recommence with the next scheduled round.
  • The season shall continue until the original finals are scheduled to commence.

    With the situation constantly evolving and uncertainty on what 2021 may hold, it is our belief this framework will give our competitions and clubs the best opportunity to have a fair and equitable season.

    Also per these AFL Victoria by-laws, should a round be abandoned, the Allowable Player Payment Cap shall immediately be calculated on a pro rata of games played. Finals eligibility will also remain as previously stipulated at this time.

    These processes apply to all AFL Barwon sanctioned junior and senior competition, including GFNL, BFNL, Female Football, and has also been adopted by the CDFNL.

    As an independent league, the GDFL is also working through their competitions next steps and will communicate to their members accordingly.

    Whilst the interruption to community sport is disappointing, we anticipate there will still be plenty of football and netball played this year when it is safe to do so, and hopefully this is as soon as next weekend.

    We will continue to work closely with the AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria and will be guided by advice from the government and health authorities. More information will be provided when it is available, and the situation will be constantly reviewed.

    Updated AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria protocols will be placed on the AFL Barwon website HERE- http://www.aflbarwon.com.au/covid-19-resources/.

    For official health advice, head to https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus.