Hampden league reveals its plans for 2021 finals series

The competition is currently in limbo due to COVID-19 restrictions but the league has detailed its return-to-play options.

The league executive consulted a number of stakeholders, including all member clubs, regarding how it would approach its final series.

It decided if a resumption of training and games was permitted by September 13 it would go ahead with a two-week final series starting on September 18 and 19.

The first weekend would involve two semi-finals with first-versus-fourth and second-versus-third.

The winners of the two semi-finals would play in the grand final on Friday, September 24, the day before the AFL grand final.

No premierships will be awarded should the league be forced to cancel.

Hampden league media liaison officer Troy Logan told The Standard it was pleased to have a plan to work towards which gave all involved clarity.

"We got feedback from all the clubs on options last week and this was the decision which was made," he said.

"We were keen to allow players proper preparation for the Saturday competition, so we allowed for a couple of training sessions leading into a final."

Portland, which was to play in its first senior finals series since joining the league, and North Warrnambool Eagles were the fifth-ranked senior football and open netball sides to miss out due to the new format.

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Logan said it was a tough decision and the league felt for the Tigers, which had qualified for their first senior football final series since joining the competition in 2013.

The decision to play the grand final on the AFL grand final public holiday was to give both competitions a time to shine.

"If we do get to the grand final, it's going to a be really significant occasion for all of the Hampden league area," Logan said.

"We wanted to make sure we had the best opportunity to celebrate that in its own right."

The Hampden league remains committed to playing its Sunday junior competition grand finals.

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It has not confirmed when the junior deciders will be played but they are not subject to the same deadline as the Saturday competition.

"As long as a resumption of community sport be permitted by the long weekend commencing Friday, September 24, grand finals for the Sunday competitions will proceed," Logan said.

The league's best and fairest counts, including the Maskell Medal, will be conducted virtually with dates to be confirmed.

"We thank all member clubs for their collaboration and continued commitment in facilitating an outcome for the 2021 season if COVID-19 restrictions allow in line with the above plans," Logan said.

The Warrnambool and District, South West District and Mininera and District leagues have also set their plans in place.

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