Bairnsdale Football Netball Club is ready to rock and roll – it’s now just awaiting a Gippsland League start date, if one is to come.

Club president, Murray Frew, said while the coronavirus restrictions have caused some issues, the club’s footballers and netballers are back training and eager to play – if the season happens.

“We’re in a pretty good place, we’re right to go,” Frew said.

“We can be back playing in late July and in a 10-team competition we can have nine home and away games, play each other once, have a finals series and finish up in the middle of October.

“There is a president’s meeting Tuesday (last night) where I think we’ll make a decision.

“I know Wonthaggi, Drouin, Warragul, those clubs in the west aren’t that keen, but once we have a start date I think everything will start moving forward.”

Frew said while spectator restrictions will limit the amount of people attending games to start with, he expects those numbers will increase in due course.

The Gippsland League salary cap has been cut by three quarters from $160,000 to $40,000.

“Some players may have to take a pay cut, but I think they are all just keen to get out and play,” Frew said.

“I think there are a few reserves guys who haven’t committed as yet, but once we get a start date I think things will naturally spark up.”

Adult contact training can commence as of July 13 with competition possible by July 20.

*** UPDATE ***
The Gippsland League on Tuesday night announced it would push forward with under 16 and under football, as well as under 13, 15 and 17 netball, with a fixture and operational requirements being put in place for a July start.
A decision on senior football and netball will be made following the next State Government restriction announcement and AFL Victorian return to play protocols.

IMAGE: Will we see this in 2020? Bairnsdale Football Netball Club is awaiting a Gippsland League start date, which was expected last night, however there are still a number of hurdles yet to be cleared for a return to action. K800-40 (2019)