THE first bounce of the 2020 AFL South Coast season will officially take place on Saturday, July 18.
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Following the state government's announcement on Wednesday allowing all senior sports to resume as of July 1, AFLSC confirmed its modified season with tip-off next month.
AFLSC regional manager Matt Graham said the announcement was exciting for all Australian football fans in the region.
"The July 18 date lines up with our juniors, allowing teams to have two and a half weeks of contact training (permitted from July 1) before we start matches.
"From a safety point of view, we can't have players returning to matches without any contact training - we have a duty of care.
"Even when contact training is allowed, everyone will still have a responsibility to help lower the rate of transmission by social distancing when you can, while sanitising regularly.
"All the feedback we've got from clubs, in regards to training, has been really positive so far, which is a testament to all the hard work done by their respective administrators - it's exciting we all have a date to work towards."
Graham, who said 'return to play' guidelines will be released later in the week, will meet with club administrators next week to discuss what the 2020 season may look like.
"We've sent a survey to all the clubs, asking their opinions on aspects such as the season's draw and length of quarters," he said.
"The main options we are looking at are either an eight-round regular season (with a September 26 grand final) or an 11-week competition, finishing on October 17.
"These, as well as if clubs team nominations will change because of coronavirus, are issues we hope to get a start on next week."
AFLSC is still seeking clarity from the state government on issues regarding fans at their matches.
"We are looking at having up to 500 fans at regular season matches and adhering to the social distancing protocols," Graham said.
"This, along with a number of other matters we are awaiting clarity from the state government on but these are issues we will try to iron out soon."