Media Release | The Board of the NGFNL together with all member clubs have conducted extensive analysis and significant due diligence around the impacts of COVID19, and the associated return to play policies imposed by AFL Victoria.

We understand and appreciate the time frames associated with this process may have caused some frustration, but we can unashamedly say, we have left no stone unturned in our decision-making process or in our desire to find a workable solution.

Accordingly, the NGFNL will abandon Season 2020 for all Senior Football and Netball competitions.

Our decision was influenced by many factors such as the recent COVID-19 announcements by the Premier of Victoria Mr Daniel Andrews, ongoing social distancing requirements, the threat of a secondary COVID-19 wave, increased volunteer workloads, compliance expectations and with the simple reality around player and patron numbers attending our venues and under what circumstances they can attend has ongoing limitations which will impact the commercial viability of community clubs.

We could not justify or envisage a return to “business as usual” and nor are we prepared to risk the health and wellbeing of people nor club sustainability.

Our Board and member clubs sincerely desire to thank all volunteers, club members, sponsors and significant others who make our Brand respected and have endured this journey with us. We have appreciated your patience, valued your support and trust you will all join us again in 2021

Finally, whilst we cannot proceed with a Senior competition, we will turn our attention on the junior aspects of our league and hope to deliver some opportunities for our young players who are the future of our respective Football and Netball competitions.