Ongerup Football Association to return at the end of June as more leagues withdraw

The Ongerup Football Association have announced they will return to the field on June 27 after a meeting last night with club presidents.

The OFA is part of the Ongerup Winter Sports Association, with football, hockey and netball all working together to determine their start date.

One of the major changes to their shortened season 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 grand final is set down for September 12 to be played at Gnowangerup.

Lower South West Football League and Central Wheatbelt Football League announced on Tuesday night they would cancel their 2020 seasons. LSWFL said in its statement “the directors did not want any club to be financially disadvantaged and put the long-term viability of the league at risk”.

CWFL said it was a difficult and disappointing decision.

“The health and safety of our communities and club sustainability are our top priorities,” the league's statement read.

“Following input from all clubs, it was determined the Government-implemented restrictions required for community sport places too much strain on clubs to operate match days in the environment we desire.”

This news comes after the Central Midlands Coastal Football League cancelled its season at the end of last month given the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Goldfields Football League also cancelled its season but then put out another statement after gathering restrictions were lifted, saying organisers would digest all the information and make a final decision. Newman National and West Kimberley have also cancelled their seasons this year.

The Perth Football League is set to be one of the first senior footy competitions to resume in WA, with the first weekend of July firming as a start date.

Community football is in phase three of the WA Football Commission’s return to football roadmap which enables clubs and teams to train in full squads, and full contact is allowed in match simulation and drills.

The Great Southern Football League also announced last night that they will delay the commencement of their season, with round one set down for July 12.