General News
2 September, 2021
MDFNL keen to finish 2021 season
THE Mininera and District Football League has released its plan to make a (hoped) return to action.
THE Mininera and District Football League has released its plan to make a (hoped) return to action.
Board chairman John Box confirmed league officials had informed its 12 clubs of several options regarding a finals series last week.
The league has determined the following:
A four week top five final series can be completed if it starts on September 11 and 12;
Clubs want a week of training before any games are staged.
The latest a grand final can be played is Saturday, October 9; and
The season will be scrapped if Victoria remains in lockdown beyond Saturday, September 25.
Box said the board was now hoping to work towards a return date of September 11, if restrictions were eased and it fit the league’s timeframe.
“The clubs want a week of training so this week is out of the question,” he said.
"It’s up to the government really. I’m really cross with AFL Victoria because it seems no one is speaking up to push country football."
“I know it’s different up in (Shepparton) but there is nothing out here in the Western District so I can’t see why we don’t open up.
“It’s really difficult but if we open up we’re hoping to get going as soon as we can.”
Box said the board was also mindful it may need to shorten its series to reach a conclusion if possible.
“If its not open by the AFL Grand Final, it’s a waste of time,” he said.
“Even if went to a top four, you still need a two weekend gap to play a grand final, but if its just one and two in all grades you could probably do that over one weekend.
“It’s all on paper (our options), we’ve just got to see what happens.”
The news keeps Woorndoo Mortlake’s premiership chances alive in both the senior football and A grade netball.
The Tigers claimed the minor premiership in the senior football and also finished top in the A grade netball.