Sport
2 September, 2021
WDFNL announces finals series plans
THE Warrnambool and District Football Netball League (WDFNL)will revert to a top four, two week finals after officials revealed plans for a return to play earlier this week.
THE Warrnambool and District Football Netball League (WDFNL)will revert to a top four, two week finals after officials revealed plans for a return to play earlier this week.
The league released a statement on Tuesday outlining its decision to part with the traditonal top five series and revert to a top four.
It also has the further option to reduce its finals to a top-two, one week fixture if restrictions do not ease in time of its scheduled last date to play games, which is set for Saturday, September 18.
“Due predominantly to the current restrictions as well as uncertainty surrounding when they will be eased, and what format any easing may take, the board has decided on an abbreviated two-week finals series,” a league statement said.
“In reaching this decision the board also considered, if restrictions do ease sufficiently to allow community sport, there is always the distinct possibility they may be re-imposed at short notice.
“Therefore it was felt a two-week time frame may provide the WDFNL with the optimal opportunity to complete a finals series.”
Under its plan, the WDFNL will resume with first versus fourth on Saturday and second vs third do-or-die finals on Sunday.
It was hoped week one could be staged this weekend, but that is considered unlikely in the current climate.
The winners would then progress onto the grand final which will be staged on either Saturday, September 11 or 18, depending on how restrictions are eased.
If games are not played before September 11, but can be played on September 18, the top two sides in each grade will feature in grand finals.
“If restrictions do not allow competition on September 4 and 5 these matches will be deferred until September 11 and 12,” the statement said.
“If there is no play on the weekend of September 11 and 12, the finals will revert to a one-week scenario of first versus second on September 18.
“If there is still no play on September 18, no medals or cup will be awarded with the top teams in all grades awarded minor premiership flags for 2021.”
Under the proposal, quarter lengths in the football will also be reduced to accommodate the recent lack of training.
Venues for the finals are also yet to be confirmed, but it is expected these will be locked in once a return is confirmed.
“The board is obviously aware the above may not be the ideal scenario for all clubs but believes it provides the WDFNL with our best opportunity to conduct a finals series, as well as giving clubs some clarification and a degree of certainty regarding the remainder of the season,” the statement said.
“We think it’s fair to say large parts of the 2021 season have been compromised, and, unfortunately, the issues have now, unavoidably, impacted the finals series – an understatement – but certainly not what anyone would have wished for at the commencement of the season.
“It is also important to note if play were to proceed in the next few weeks there may still be restrictions on the availability of players travelling from Melbourne to participate.”
The announcements leave Kolora Noorat’s senior (second), under 18 (second) and under 15 (first) football teams and 17 and under (third) and 15 and under (fourth) netball sides in finals contention.
The reserves football and 13 and under netball teams both finished fifth and have unluckily had their seasons finished.
The league also announced its presentation nights would be cancelled and instead conducted online during grand final week.
If a grand final is not possible, the board will select a new date and notify clubs.
The Hampden Football Netball League has yet to confirms its plans, although it was expected to do so in the coming days.
Terang Mortlake’s division two, 15 and under and 13 and under netball sides are currently in line to play finals.