SENIORS, juniors and women’s football will all return in the Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association over the course of the next month after clubs unanimously voted in favour of playing.
League president Mick Brien said the committee had multiple scheduling options planned in the case of a successful vote, and therefore were able to settle on the final fixture, of nine rounds and three finalists starting on July 18, by the end of the meeting.
“I’d like to thank the clubs for their patience,” he said.
“The attitude was to wait, and keep on waiting until we knew it was clear, and that’s why we waited until (June) 18th to make the decision.
“Now we’re saying to all the clubs – and their supporters – now you can get close, and enjoy your footy, which will be socially and economically better for the community.”
Willaston Football Club president Aldo Pasin echoed Mr Brien’s comments about the efficiency of the meeting, and said while clubs have accepted the responsibility of monitoring the 500-spectator limit, he is hopeful further restrictions will be lifted by round one.
“We’re operating under the assumption that between now and the start date, things will continue to ease,” he said.
“If they don’t, well, we’ll just have to handle it. Everybody’s been waiting for this opportunity, from administration roles, to volunteers, to supporters, or sponsors – they’re all keen to get this season happening.”
Mr Pasin also mentioned that even though everyone involved in the competition will be gunning for the flag, the club’s “number one goal” is providing football to the community.
“More than winning a flag this year – and don’t get me wrong, grand finals are great to win – but I think our objective as clubs, and probably the league, is to make sure that we provide a football season to our community,” he said.
On the women’s side, every side except Nuriootpa will be returning for a seven-game-plus-two-finals season, as scheduled at the beginning of the year, which will kick-off on the same weekend as the men.
BL&GW chair Adam Butcher said women’s games will be played on a Sunday, and at a single location to allow crowds and atmosphere to build throughout the day, as well as making operating the canteen and bar viable for the hosting club.
Details about the junior seasons for different age groups will be decided in the coming week.

Bute arrive bearing good news for APFL

THE Bute Football Club announced on Monday night via its Facebook page that it will officially be playing in the Adelaide Plains Football League 2020 season, making it a seven-team season after both Balaklava and reigning premiers Hummocks-Watchman decided to withdraw.
Bute, who normally play in the Yorke Peninsula Football League and will travel up to 90 minutes each way to play at Angle Vale, couldn’t keep a lid on its excitement, essentially breaking the news that the APFL’s home-and-away season has been confirmed, and will kick off on July 11 – a week before the BLG.
APFL president Michael Vigor confirmed the July 11 start date and the overwhelming likelihood of a seven-team league for the season, but said there were still details to iron out with the fixture and finals structure.