2021 AFL North West season cancelled

Due to the ongoing uncertainty with the current COVID lockdown, the AFL North West (AFL NW) has made the decision to end the 2021 AFL NW season.

The Competition Management Committee had previously determined that the last date for finals would be 18th September, seven weeks from Round 15. As previously communicated, it was hoped that we would be able to resume and run a final series. The announcement that regional NSW will remain in lockdown until 10th September has ruled out any further final games.

This decision also applies to junior/youth rep footy. North West will no longer be sending representative teams to participate in the North Coast Carnival in Coffs Harbour, planned for the upcoming school holidays. The AFL NW will communicate with Clubs and eligible players, where and when Northern Heat trials will take place.

This year has been full of challenges and we are fortunate, unlike many other leagues, to conclude our home and away series before being impacted by COVID.

The League recognises that without a completed finals series no Premierships can be awarded for 2021. In light of this and the exceptional circumstances the 2021 competition, across all divisions, will be determined by the completed home and away season. The Minor Premier teams will be recorded in League records, and on the relevant Cups and Shields, with an Asterix (or other) to signify the incomplete season.

Congratulations to the 2021 AFL NW Minor Premiers:

• Women – Gunnedah Bulldogs on their undefeated season,
• Men – Tamworth Kangaroos who finished one game ahead of Tamworth Swans, New

  England Nomads and Inverell Saints in one of the closest competitions for years.

• U17s – Inverell Saints
• U14s – Gunnedah Bulldogs.

AFL NW would like to thank all clubs, officials, volunteers, and communities for their commitment and optimism in the 2021 season. We will now look forward to the 2022 season and hope that the worst of COVID will be behind us.

Stay safe and well

AFL North West