The AFL wishes to advise the 2020 NEAFL season will not proceed following a meeting with all NEAFL clubs held yesterday afternoon. While the situation relating to COVID-19 remains a challenge for the entire community, the interstate nature of the NEAFL competition provided too great a challenge for many clubs to proceed with a season this year.

AFL Head Talent and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the difficult decision was made following close consultation with all NEAFL clubs and after multiple scenarios were considered to get a season away.

“All levels of the game across the country have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and we acknowledge this is very disappointing news for the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of the NEAFL Competition,” Mr. Salter said.

“This has been a very difficult yet necessary decision we have had to make and want to commend each NEAFL club who has worked towards ensuring a united approach to the outcome of the 2020 Toyota NEAFL Season.

“With four of the nine NEAFL clubs affiliated to an AFL Club, we explored many scenarios as to how we could still proceed with a condensed season in a non-traditional format. Ultimately it provided too great a challenge for all involved.”

The AFL is currently working with AFL NSWACT and AFL Queensland on how to best support all players, coaches and officials impacted by this outcome and how to support their involvement in the game in 2020.

“The health and welfare of everyone in the Toyota NEAFL Competition is paramount and we will work towards ensuring that while there is no NEAFL season being played they can still be involved in the game,” Mr Salter said.