Coronavirus sees VFL reduced to 14-game season

July 10, 2021

Ongoing issues relating the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the AFL to cut slice two games off the VFL season.

Originally scheduled to feature all 22 clubs playing 16 matches in a 19-round home-and-away season, lockdowns in Victoria in May and now in NSW have made that competition timetable impossible to achieve in the season’s remaining timeframe.

All clubs will now play 14 games across the same 19 rounds, with the top eight finals structure to remain unchanged, starting on Saturday 28th August, ahead of the Grand Final on Sunday 19th September, which returns to Marvel Stadium after being played at Melbourne’s Ikon Park in 2019.

Commenting on the shortened season, AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions, Tristan Salter told AFL media “the VFL community has shown great resilience, commitment and dedication to get through an unprecedented year for football.

"The season has been different, but the rivalries are fierce, the standard is exceptionally high, and the addition of new clubs has provided a competition like no other.

"The VFL football-starved community of fans across Victoria, NSW and Queensland has been rewarded with the highest standard of state league football in the country this season and there is much for fans to look forward to as we push towards the finals."

Ticketing information for fans will be released on the VFL league and club digital channels as games are locked in each week, with venues and match times to remain a week-by-week proposition for the rest of the season.

Salter went on to say “while COVID-19 continues to impact the community, the health and welfare of our players and the community remains the priority and all matches will operate in a safe manner anchored in the advice of respective governments, public health officials and medical experts.

"The AFL would like to acknowledge the support of all industry stakeholders throughout this process and their patience in the construction of the revised fixture.

"The AFL also thanks the legion of fans and supporters for their patience and acknowledge the changes to the fixture will provide equality in the run home to clubs, players and supporters."

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