On Tuesday, the AFL confirmed it had cancelled NAB League competitions for boys and girls this year due to the tightening of coronavirus restrictions in Victoria.
Under the restrictions, training or competition cannot start again until at least Sunday, September 13.
It is a blow for several young footballers from Echuca and the surrounding area who were part of the Bendigo Pioneers squad.
AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said it was disappointing to see the season cancelled.
“All levels of the game across Victoria have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and under the new restrictions, any form of training and competition for both metropolitan and regional players and clubs is prohibited,” Salter said.
“We acknowledge this is extremely disappointing news for the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of the NAB League competition and we commend every NAB League region that has worked tirelessly to find a way through.
“Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, volunteers, officials and our communities.
“Following the updated restrictions announced by Victorian State Government, it provided too great a challenge for all involved.”
Three rounds of the girls competition were able to be completed earlier in the season, although no premiership will be awarded.
Meanwhile, the AFL said it was still exploring options to allow Vic Metro and Country squads to train together later in the year.
“Throughout this pandemic the NAB League community has shown great resilience and perseverance and we admire and appreciate the continued positivity during a difficult year for our community,” Salter said.
“I am not alone in appreciating the challenges players, staff and their families are facing.
“We maintain our commitment to all players that we will continue to explore arrangements to assist them with their talent profile ahead of the NAB AFLW and NAB AFL Drafts later this year.”
Draft dates for the AFL and AFLW still need to be confirmed by the game’s governing body.
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