2 September 2021
Since the State Government directive to cease all community sport on Friday 20 August, the HFNL Executive have consulted a number of stakeholders, including all member clubs regarding the HFNL Final Series. Following this consultation, the HFNL are now in a position to announce the following:
Saturday Competitions
Should a resumption of training and games be permitted by 13 September the HFNL will play a two week final series with the following format.
Weekend of 18/19 September | Semi Final 1 – 1st vs 4th | Semi Final 2 – 2nd vs 3rd
Friday 24 September 2021 | Grand Final – Winner of Semi Final 1 vs Winner of Semi Final 2
The HFNL wishes to allow the opportunity for some player preparation (training) for finals. And as such, should there be no confirmation from State Government and AFL Victoria/Netball Victoria by 13 September the final series will be cancelled for all Saturday Competitions. Should the HFNL be forced to cancel the season no Premierships will be awarded.
Sunday Competitions (Grand Final)
The HFNL remain committed to facilitating the Grand Final of the Sunday Competitions. The HFNL is not in a position to announce a Grand Final at this time, but can confirm it is not subject to the same 13 September deadline as Saturday competitions.
As long as a resumption of community sport be permitted by the long weekend commencing Friday 24 September, Grand Finals for the Sunday Competitions will proceed.
Best and Fairest Counts
All Best and Fairest counts, for the Saturday and Sunday Competitions will be conducted in a virtual format. Dates will be confirmed by the HFNL Executive in due course.
The HFNL acknowledges the challenging circumstances the entire HFNL community has faced not just this season, but since the pandemic begun 18 months ago. We note that the shortened final series will see 5th placed teams miss out on playing finals in all competitions, and in particular would like to make mention of Portland in the Senior Football and North Warrnambool Eagles in the Open Netball. Portland would have played in their first Senior Football final since joining the HFNL should a 5 team final series had have gone ahead.
We thank all member clubs for their collaboration and continued commitment in facilitating an outcome for the 2021 season if COVID-19 restrictions allow in line with the above plans.