The AFL welcomes today's announcement by the Victorian State Government relating to the return of community sport for all ages from Friday June 18 which will see a return of the 2021 VFL and 2021 rebel VFLW Competitions to Victoria this weekend.
Casey's VFLW side are set to play at Darebin on Saturday afternoon at Casey Fields from 2.00pm, while the VFL side will have a bye to align with the AFL break.
Attendance at all games in Metropolitan Melbourne will be limited to the minimum number of people required to participate in and facilitate the football match. Spectators are not allowed at VFL and VFLW matches this weekend but the AFL will continue to work with the Victorian State Government and Health Officials on the return of crowds.
VFL matches will continue to be played in Queensland in front of full crowds this weekend with no Victorian Clubs travelling interstate as part of the Round 10 fixture.
All VFL and VFLW Clubs returned to training on Friday June 11 ahead of the anticipated return to competition and are prepared for all matches this weekend.
The fixture for both the VFL and rebel VFLW competitions will become a week-by-week proposition for the short-term with a fixture for the remainder of the VFL and rebel VFLW seasons to be released shortly. The AFL is committed to working through the rounds plus finals to complete both seasons.
AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter welcomed the announcement and said it was great news for clubs and fans to get footy back.
"Our VFL and VFLW clubs have been pillars in Victorian football and their local communities for many, many years and they have been missed over the last month," Salter said.
"Football is the heartbeat of many communities across Victoria and the return of VFL and VFLW football this weekend provides excitement back to these communities who have been through a challenging period."
"To all footy fans in Victoria, we acknowledge the importance of crowds at footy games and we will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government on when crowds can return to the VFL and VFLW competitions and get the pulse of footy back again."
The AFL has prepared for this situation and the inclusion of byes for all VFL clubs provides flexibility with the fixture and allows for adjustments to be made. All options are being considered.
The AFL will continue to meet with all parties and plan for all scenarios acting on the advice from government, relevant health departments and medical experts. We will communicate any updates and provide advice in a timely manner.
We acknowledge this remains a complicated and rapidly evolving situation but as a football industry we will band together to support each other. This is a reminder that we are all part of a broader society with a responsibility to make sure our community remains safe.
The AFL would like to acknowledge the support of all industry stakeholders and the legion of fans and supporters for their patience during this time.
VFLW Round 13
Casey Demons v Darebin,
Saturday 19 June
Casey Fields, 2pm
No spectators permitted
VFL Round 10
Bye
