The VFL's 2020 season will restart on August 1 with just eight teams, reportsย The Herald Sun'sย Jon Ralph.
The eight clubs that will take part in the season are Box Hill, Casey, Coburg, Frankston, Port Melbourne, Sandringham, Werribee and Williamstown.
There will be a bye in the competition after Round 4, while the Grand Final will be held on October 10.
The season must finish before the grounds are handed over to the cricket for a start date on October 17-18.
โWe want to thank the Victorian Government for their support of Victorian football and thank the wider Victorian community โ for an environment where VFL can resume,โ AFL state league competition boss Tristan Salter said.
โIn line with the variations to the womenโs competition this year, the focus for both VFL and VFLW football in 2020 is to ensure talent in both leagues are provided with the best opportunity to develop as footballers and ultimately reach the elite level.
โThe VFL Competition will look different in 2020, but in consultation with all eight clubs, have developed a model which enables a fair and equitable season for our fans, clubs, players, coaches and officials. The VFL community has been patient and committed during this time and all players and coaches are ready for training and matches to resume."
The league will reportedly provide its fixture in the coming days, while it is not yet known if there will be a salary cap or if players will get paid.
โWhile the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we hope to start and finish the 2020 VFL season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalised with the public health officials,โ Salter said.
โWe know how much these competitions mean to players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans and we look forward to working together to ensuring all clubs return to play in a safe and well managed environment.โ
