Central Highlands football and netball leagues have cancelled the remainder of the 2021 season amidst Ballarat's growing COVID-19 outbreak.
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The leagues had held out hope that grand finals would be able to be played by the October 2 or 3 cut-off date, but ultimately fell to the unpredictability of COVID like so many other country leagues.
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CHFL manager Diane Ryan said the time frame to complete the finals series did not suit the current climate.
"After consultation with clubs which were in finals it is clear that as a result of the current City of Ballarat lockdown it will not be possible to complete the finals series within the window which remains available," she said.
"Even if there was to be further easing of restrictions across coming days for those living outside of City of Ballarat, many clubs would be significantly impacted by the lack of availability of players."
Minor premiers across each footy and netball grade will be acknowledged as such.
In an email to club delegates, CHNL president Natalie Clarke expressed how tough the decision was to make.
"I hope that players, parents and club officials understand that this decision did not come lightly and hurts me too," she said.
"Not only as a mother to one who was due to play finals, but as someone who loves to see people play sport."
The decision comes after five weeks of no games and with two weeks to spare until October 2 and 3.
Senior footy and netball and junior footy league best and fairest vote counts are still to be hosted, the leagues hoping to do so in person once lockdown is lifted and restrictions ease.
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