Aussie rules: Season over for Hunter-only leagues in 2021 amid coronavirus lockdown

Hunter-only leagues, seniors and juniors, were hoping to resume after the ongoing coronavirus lockdown but officials have now made a call to finish the season.

Central Coast clubs have been sidelined for almost two months, meaning the main Black Diamond Cup campaign was recently abandoned.

AFL HCC community football and competition manager Matt Harris released a statement on Wednesday with the decision impacting clubs in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, Singleton and Muswellbrook.

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"With consideration of the uncertainty surrounding the current COVID-19 outbreak across the Hunter region the HCC board have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 AFL Hunter community football season. This decision also extends to our NAB AFL Auskick programs in the region," he said.

"In reaching this decision, it became increasingly apparent that with the continued escalating health crisis and the impact of ongoing lockdowns timeframes to recommence and finish the season are now not viable.

"We appreciate today's announcement will disappoint our many players, coaches, umpires and volunteers who invest so much time, effort and energy in the season. AFL HCC shares in the immense disappointment to be unable to complete the 2021 competition in its entirety however today's outcome is the unfortunate reality of the challenges the pandemic continues to throw at the community.

"Our priority remains supporting our clubs, players, officials and volunteers through these challenging circumstances and focusing on preparing for playing footy again in 2022.

"If the opportunity arises to gather our football community in an informal manner prior to the traditional end of the winter season we will do so, as well as provide further opportunities for participants and clubs to join our spring alternate format competitions of AFL 9s and Junior AFLX if they are able to proceed in October.

"AFL NSW/ACT and the HCC board is committed to working closely with our network to minimise the financial impact of the cancellation on our clubs and participants where possible and the details of our support will be communicated to clubs in the coming days.

"We will also seek opportunities to engage clubs and participants in the months ahead and prioritise season 2022 planning and player retention incentives to ensure a strong return to footy as soon as it is safe to do so.

"We look forward to a return to a sense of normality in the coming months for community sport and working together to get back to footy when it's safe to do so."

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