Great Southern Football League declare season is on from July 12, with all six clubs set to participate

The Great Southern Football League have delayed the commencement of their 2020 season at a meeting last night with club presidents, with round one now set to kick off on July 12. However one of the key outcomes from the meeting was all six clubs appear committed to playing the shortened season in the senior grades. The GSFL had initially pencilled in June 28 as a starting date for their season but after consolation with the WA Country Football League and the six clubs they have pushed the date back two weeks effectively. One of the other major changes was around the finals with the top three teams set to qualify, instead of the usual top four system. After 10 regular rounds, a top three system will be used in the finals with the team that finishes on top of the ladder progressing straight through to the grand final. Teams that finish second and third will play off in a preliminary final for a spot in the decider. The top ranked league team after 10 rounds will also earn the right to host the grand final in 2020, the league going away from the usual rotation of grand final venues for this year. GSFL president Joe Burton said this was a more realistic start date. “We pushed it back a couple of weeks to accommodate all the clubs,” Burton said. “We were a little bit worried about crowds, that was posing a problem with clubs. “We are definitely having a season and all clubs will be participating in some way. “We will be in a better position in a week or two.” The GSFL is exploring the possibility of playing the grand final on Saturday, September 26 instead of their traditional Sunday timeslot. The sixteens competitions will be played on a Tuesday night during July or until further restrictions are eased. Reasoning for this new season model include maintaining the integrity of a six-team competition, allows more time to organise game day protocols on COVID-19 and the possibility of larger crowds being allowed as well.