In duelling statements released on their respective club websites on Wednesday night, South became the third NPL Victoria club – after Hume and Green Gully – to publicly announce their support for the resumption of the 2020 season and a return to training, whilst the Knights outlined that their senior, junior and Miniroos sides would not be returning to the practice field under the modified conditions outlined by FV.

“We feel that it is extremely onerous to re-commence training and implement the myriad of restrictions that have been outlined within the advice provided by Football Victoria at this time,” Knights’ statement read.

“Whilst we would all welcome a return to normal training and competition, our primary responsibility is our duty of care to our community to ensuring that we keep all our players and their families safe during this pandemic.

“Having regard to the safety of our players, coaches, volunteers and parents during this global pandemic and after reviewing the guidelines, we have come to the decision that it is in the best interests of all, that we await further lifting of restrictions before we re-commence training.”

According to the Knights’ communique, there were six primary factors behind the Sunshine-based club’s determination that a resumption of training was not suitable. 

  • The guidelines announced by Sports and Recreation Victoria (SRV) do not allow for full-contact sports to resume.
  • The current guidelines provided by Football Victoria based on SRV’s recommendations have modified training sessions which allow only for small groups of 10 (on half a pitch minimum) and essentially only for passing and shooting drills while practicing social distancing – no game training, heading, throw-ins, tackles allowed.
  • Onerous administrative obligations have been placed on the clubs in relation to keeping full registers of attendance, deep cleaning required for both equipment and facilities.
  • Unclear as to insurance coverage provided by Football Victoria to players, volunteers and club directors in relation to COVID-19
  • 100% responsibility placed on clubs by both Football Victoria and Councils in relation to any COVID-19 outbreak.
  • The risk on the club’s reputation regarding player safety during these uncertain times.

Knights earmarked a review of their decision would take place following an anticipated further downgrading of COVID-19 related restrictions in Victoria following May 31, and highlighted that a survey would be sent to players and their families in the coming days to gauge their opinions on a return to training.

Knights are understood to be one of a number of top-tier NPL Victoria clubs that have expressed reservations surrounding a resumption of the senior season in 2020, with AAFC Chairman Nick Galatas previously telling FTBL that clubs felt "that the resumption and conclusion of the 2020 senior men's NPL competition isn't financially viable."

South conversely, were named by FV CEO Peter Filopolos as one of four clubs – the others being Hume, Gully, and Eastern Lions – that were in favour of concluding the Victorian top flight in 2020 in an interview with The Age on Tuesday - which the club confirmed in their own statement penned by President Nicholas Maikousis.

“Our primary purpose of SMFC as a football club is to play football, it is fundamentally why we exist, our DNA,” the statement read. 

“It is for this reason that we fully endorse the return of competitive football in Victoria as soon as possible and the resumption of the 2020 season. We owe this to our players, coaches, their families and of course, as a members-based football club, our members and supporters.   

“We are working with Lakeside Stadium, Parks Victoria and Councils to share our training plans and resume training as soon as practical. This includes all NPL Juniors (both boys and girls), Miniroos and our NPL Senior Program (which includes Senior Men & Women, Under 20s, Under 19s and Under 18s).”

The club then confirmed that it was keen to compete in both senior men’s and women’s competitions - the latter of which FTBL understands is facing significantly less - if any -resistance than the men's competition. 

“FV is planning for the Senior Women’s football to resume in late June or early July with the potential for a reduced season fixture,” Maikousis wrote. “Our Women’s football department is planning for this with the squad looking forward to getting on pitch and playing competitive football.

“FV is hopeful for Senior Men’s football to resume in July but acknowledges there are a number of complexities to be worked through. The Club has been involved in a series of meetings of key stakeholders including Football Victoria, the AAFC and fellow NPL Victoria clubs.

“While some clubs have been apprehensive about resuming football, we are fully committed about completing the 2020 season. We have outlined this position on numerous occasions in our meetings to date.”

Maikousis then outlined a number of measures South believed could be implemented or pursued to ensure senior NPL football was played in 2020, including concepts surrounding promotion and relegation:

  • Continued streaming of all NPL Men’s and matches. This could extend to NPL 2 and NPL 3.
  • Clear guidelines to be developed by FV for return to play scenarios, including appropriate risk management for all participants. This has already been done for training purposes.
  • No relegation from any of the NPL leagues which will allow clubs who can no longer field a strong squad to promote young footballers without the fear of being relegated.
  • We are open to the concept of Promotion from NPL 2 and NPL 3 to remain, continuing to embrace aspirational football and provide any club to strive to be the best it can be. 
  • Ability for all clubs to fairly renegotiate player payments due to reduced revenue from gate takings, canteen and sponsorship revenue.
  • We are flexible regarding transfer periods.
  • Reduction in participation fees & other costs controlled by the Federation to assist clubs maintain their cash flow during this period.
  • Any other Government support.