By Nick Creely
The AFL Outer East football and netball competition is set for a return this weekend, with a number of changes set to shake things up.
After the State Government’s announcement that crowds will not be permitted in Metropolitan community sport, with only required participants including players, coaches, officials, runners, team managers, trainers, umpire escorts, timekeepers, umpires including club umpires if required, Covid safety volunteers and club committee members allowed in venues, the Outer East has confirmed that games will go ahead with some changes to alleviate the pressure on clubs.
Bailey said it was vital for the AFL Outer East community to get back playing after strong consultation with clubs on how they can help them get through this weekend, where revenue from canteens, bar, gate taking and the like will be impacted.
“We consulted with our clubs, and we made sure we were in constant communication,” Bailey told the Gazette.
“There is a bit of hesitancy, but with regional restrictions easing allowing 1000 people in crowds, and two of our clubs getting crowds, we felt it was a great opportunity to get the season started.
“We’re hopeful it’s a short term thing – we knew the longer it went, the harder it was to bring all their teams back in football and netball. It’s important to get people back playing.”
The biggest change over the next two weekends will be the playing times for football reduced, in a bid to assist players and umpires to return to full match fitness.
Seniors will play with 15 minutes time on, reserves 17 minutes with no time on, under 19s 17 minutes with no time on, women’s 15 minutes with no time, under 17 boys and girls 15 minutes with no time on, while under 15s and below will stick with the same playing time
Bailey said it was a required step in order to alleviate concerns relating to injuries and fitness.
“We’ve been speaking with our senior clubs and the feedback from the coaches was that players were really sore, and with restrictions coming into place, it impacted training not travelling 25km, and not going region to metro,” he said.
“Our thinking was by making it 15 mins time on, with our quarters traditionally going 35, we save about 10 mins a quarter with the view of decreasing the amount of injuries.
“A few clubs floated about extending the bench, but we felt it was putting pressure on reserves grade – but it also helps umpires to get through as well.”
Only two of the AFLOE’s matches fall within regional Victoria, with the Broadford v Alexandra and Yea v Yarra Glen clashes set to be played with a crowd maximum of 1000.
The AFL Outer East has confirmed that the commission will be covering the cost of football umpires (junior and senior) this weekend in the Metropolitan region, while also encouraging its players to play for the love of the game in order to get the season back and thriving.
This will mean that clubs are being encouraged to either call on their players and coaches to play for the love of the game, or on decreased match payments in order to assist getting through the weekend, while the Yarra Ranges Umpires Association will be umpiring on a reduced rate.
“We’re asking our players and umpires to take a paycut, and we’re relying on our players to play for an increased amount or for the love of it,” Bailey said.
“We wanted to take a proactive approach – the first step was paying for all umpires.
“We’re aware that the circumstances are different for everyone, but we want a real cost neutral round.”
Despite there being no crowds in AFL Outer East’s metro games this weekend, Bailey said there was plenty for local supporters to get involved in, which will help clubs receive funds for the round. He urged the local community to get involved if they can.
Supporters can also donate to the host club this weekend if they wish.
“Any game without a crowd, we’ve worked with GameFace and we’ll live stream every game this week,” he said.
“People can attend virtually, so we’ve set up a virtual gate, so members can purchase tickets and clubs can get some revenue.”
Here are the links to each game this round:
Premier Division
Cranbourne v Pakenham – https://premierdivision-cranbournevpakenham.intix.com/
Doveton v Olinda Ferny Creek – https://premierdivisionr8-dovetonvolinda.intix.com/
Upwey Tecoma v Narre Warren – https://premierdivisionr8-upweyvnarrew.intix.com/
Woori Yallock v Beaconsfield – https://premierdivisionr8-woorivbeaconsfield.intix.com/
1st Division
Emerald v Belgrave – https://1stdivisionr9-emeraldvbelgrave.intix.com/
Gembrook Cockatoo v Monbulk – https://1stdivisionr9-gembrookvmonbulk.intix.com/
Mount Evelyn v Healesville – https://1stdivisionr9-mtevelynvhealesville.intix.com/
Seville v Officer – https://1stdivisionr9-sevillevofficer.intix.com/
2nd Division
Powelltown v Kinglake – https://2nddivisionr9-powelltownvkinglake.intix.com/
Yarra Junction v Warburton Millgrove – https://2nddivisionr9-yarrajunctionvwarburton.intix.com/
