BIG changes could be on the cards for community football in South Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How it all looks is still up in the air, but SANFL general manager Matt Duldig has flagged the possibility for the Western Border, Mid South East and Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara leagues to work together should such issues as cross-border participation not be allowed.
In a meeting on Monday night training requirements were discussed.
Duldig said the future of the 2020 season and the major issues facing all three leagues in the region have been acknowledged by SANFL.
That includes the lack of crowds at games and Victorian players and teams which may not be able to cross the border.
Duldig said SANFL understands the challenges which lie ahead for the three South East leagues, with a lack of crowds a big issue.
“For the season to go ahead … it will be difficult without crowds, particularly at senior level,” he said.
“But we want to encourage there is still some opportunity to play some junior football.
“I think it is still important to get the kids back out there if we can.”
Duldig said the general feel from all three leagues in the region was if no crowds could attend, there could be no season.
However, he said some patience was needed as the COVID-19 situation moved along quickly.
“We stressed this thing from early March has moved really fast,” Duldig said.
“Even probably two weeks ago, to think we would be going back to training on Monday with an eye to play, people may not have thought we would be in this position.
“We have said let’s not make too many decisions now, let’s let it play out for a few more weeks, hope we keep tracking really well and are in a position to play with people coming through the gates.”
Duldig said the ultimate decision to play or not to play this season would rest on the leagues, but he hoped a decision could be made collectively as a state.
“We will provide recommendations and direction, as we have been doing all along with training, but there will be a point at some stage (a decision has to be made),” he said.
“Ideally it will be as a group, if we can be united across South Australia.
“The last thing we would want is a comp running here and not over there, with players not sure where to go.”
Duldig said unfortunately it appeared the border between South Australia and Victoria would not open in the near future, which would have a major impact on all three leagues.
He has called for innovation to see if some kind of football can be played.
“It will be a significant challenge to get through,” Duldig said.
“It will make it really challenging for the South East, but we have asked if we can be innovative in 2020, if we can get some sort of season up so those who want to play can play.
“We would hate to go 18 months without anyone kicking a footy.”
How that would look is obviously still up in the air.
However, Duldig said the regional council led by Trevor Smart was working through the possible scenarios.
It could well mean the leagues combine in some way to ensure football goes ahead.
“We would encourage any of that sort of thinking,” Duldig said.
“If it got to the point where competitions could start, but the Victorian side of it could not be engaged, we would encourage that flexibility and innovation to get back on the park this year.
“Community footy is about more than just what is happening on the field – it is the community coming together.
“If we can do that at the back end of this pandemic, it would be a good outcome.
“Hopefully we can keep tracking well and get back on the park.”
