HFNL postpones some round one matches due to COVID-19 risk

Matches between Cobden and Terang Mortlake and Camperdown and South Warrnambool were postponed on Saturday.

Some matches were played before the remaining ones were postponed at the Cobden Recreation Reserve and Camperdown's Leura Oval.

The decision came after the league said it was informed of a confirmed COVID-19 case at Trinity College Colac where some players from HFNL clubs attend.

The league said it made the decision after consulting the relevant clubs.

"The health and safety of all players, coaches, officials and members of the community will always take priority in our decision-making which is why the HFNL has taken swift action to make this decision after learning this information today," a Hampden league statement read.

"It should be noted that some games from the fixtures listed above in both football and netball were completed before this decision was made today.

"A decision about the uncompleted games that were scheduled today will be made in due course following discussions with the HFNL executive and member clubs.

"The HFNL has no announcement about any future scheduled fixtures at this time."

Three coronavirus cases have been linked to the Australian Lamb Colac cluster.

Trinity College Colac principal Paul Clohesy said on Saturday morning one of their Year 12 students tested positive to COVID-19.

It comes after the student's parent, a worker at Australian Lamb Colac, returned a positive COVID-19 test on Friday.

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Terang Mortlake president Dave Roberts said the right call was made in postponing the matches.

"It's a common sense thing," he said.

"The risk is too high.

"I want the kids to play footy but we have a duty of care as a club."

Roberts said there may be the option, if play resumes, to catch up the game midweek.

In a statement to members and supporters South Warrnambool president Steve Harris emphasised the importance of health and safety.

"I can only apologise for the inconvenience this has caused many of you and the sudden nature of this decision. Upon hearing that there was one participant who attends Trinity College in Colac; where there is today one confirmed COVID-19 case we acted immediately to abandon play," he said.

"The health and safety of our children and families has always and will always be our number one priority."

Harris isn't concerned about how the postponement will impact competitions.

"This year is about both participation and wellness of everybody involved," he said.

"We have no concerns about losing points, effect on ladders or catching up on games."

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