Season’s future up in air
The SWFL executives held an emergency meeting last night, less than 36 hours after it was announced the 2020 season would be postponed until May 31 at the earliest.
League general manager Simone Nani told the Times it was a tough period for all members of the community, although she was pleased all clubs had proactively followed the recommendations enforced by the WAFC.
“I have cancelled the March delegates’ meeting yesterday and we will review in a few weeks if an April one will take place,” she said.
“While emailing the club delegates and presidents advising them of the cancellation, I added our communication will be by phone and email moving forward.
“So we might have to do a bit of work through those avenues before we decide if it is worth bringing everyone together.
“Because I think if we do have a meeting, it is only going to be around one topic at the moment, because all the other events we had been planning have all gone on hold. All the clubs have been great — I’ve spoken with a majority of the club presidents, emailed the clubs and they have all been very understanding and respectful of the position it has put everyone in.
“They are a pleasure to work with.”
Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of possible scenarios — including a nine-game SWFL season with finals — could be explored later in the season, however, given the present state of affairs, nothing has been officially confirmed or discussed.
One event which looks almost certain to be cancelled is the 2020 Nutrien Ag Country Football Championships, which were due to be held in July.
WAFC chief executive Gavin Taylor is optimistic the football community will be able to get through the challenges together.
“As an industry we will come together and work through this difficult period,” he said.
“This will include reviewing operations, expenditure and sustainability strategies, so that we are well placed to get through this challenge.”
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