AFL Canberra has cancelled the remainder of its 2021 season after the NSW Government's announcement on Thursday that community sport wouldn't restart in the state until a minimum of 80 per cent double-dose vaccinations had been achieved.
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Many of the clubs who play in the Canberra competition are situated in NSW, including the top-grade reigning premier Queanbeyan Tigers who looked well on track for a successful title defence.
The ACT Government is expected to announce its roadmap out of lockdown, and how that would look for community sport, on Tuesday.
"With all the information available to AFL Canberra, it is unfortunately not possible to proceed with the 2021 AFL Canberra Season," an AFL Canberra statement said.
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"Many factors such as the requirement of a gradual relaxing of restrictions, a likely transition period to training prior to competition play, and the NSW government stance of no community sport, the possibility of completing the 2021 season has now concluded.
"The ACT government. . .have stated a very gradual and slow recovery process will take place, with vaccination numbers to play a key part in what will be permitted."
AFL Canberra had floated the possibility of a shortened finals series before Friday's announcement to end the season.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
