Hampden Football Netball League opts to play without crowds

It comes after club presidents last week revealed they were hesitant of returning from Victoria's fifth coronavirus lockdown without spectators, citing financial strain.

At a meeting on Tuesday night, after the state government gave the green light for community sport to resume but without fans, they changed their thinking.

Saturday competition will resume from round 11 with the hope of fitting in four more rounds before finals start on August 28.

The Sunday junior competition, which has two more home-and-away rounds, will also resume.

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Hampden league president Garry Perrett said agility was paramount in the COVID-19 era.

"Last week the presidents decided that if there's no crowds, they would not play," he told The Standard.

"But as they say, a week is a long time in football.

"There was a bit of trepidation first off but when we got into it there was more and more who decided for the health and wellbeing of everybody, let's try and get them out there.

"All the teams decided they would be play. Some players have said to their presidents 'we won't take any money'.

"That is good to hear and in the finish it was unanimous that we play with no crowds for the next two weeks."

Perrett praised the club leaders for being flexible during a uncertain time.

"It's not easy (being in that job) and they have all their volunteers to think of, their players and everyone involved in the club," he said.

"It is a big decision by everybody."

Perrett said rounds 11 and 12 would be played without crowds, barring an earlier easing of restrictions.

It was then hoped spectators would return for rounds 13 and 14.

"We'll try and adjust the draw so no team has had more than two home games with no crowds," he said.

"We'll try and even it out a bit."

Perrett said Sunday's competition was important for juniors' players.

"Juniors are allowed to have their parents there," he said.

Both competitions will adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.

"You have to wear masks everywhere and do all the protocols that you need to do," Perrett said.

Round 11

South Warrnambool v North Warrnambool Eagles, Friendly Societies' Park

Cobden v Camperdown, Cobden Recreation Reserve

Terang Mortlake v Koroit, Terang Recreation Reserve

Portland v Port Fairy, Hanlon Park

Hamilton Kangaroos v Warrnambool, Melville Oval

Round 12

North Warrnambool Eagles v South Warrnambool, Bushfield Recreation Reserve

Cobden v Camperdown, Cobden Recreation Reserve

Koroit v Terang Mortlake, Victoria Park

Port Fairy v Portland, Gardens Oval

Warrnambool v Hamilton Kangaroos, Deakin University

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