Kiewa-Sandy Creek handed massive advantage after shortened TDFL season

The league announced last month that it will play a shortened season of 16 rounds due to the COVID forced layoff which forced the suspension of the competition for three rounds.

It means rounds 17 and 18 have been scrapped from the draw.

The Hawks will miss return bouts against ladder leaders Yackandandah and flag contender Barnawartha.

On exposed form it virtually guarantees the Hawks at least the double chance.

It also gives them the huge advantage in regards to clinching the minor premiership and the added bonus of having the first week off during the finals series.

Premiership coach Adam Mudra was quick to downplay the massive advantage for the perennial finalists.

"It depends which way you look at the draw I guess," Mudra said.

"We miss out on two tough matches against two genuine flag contenders which some coaches would argue is the best preparation for a gruelling finals series.

"You need to be rock-hard fit in September and battle ready for Sandy Creek and from that perspective it would have been nice to play Yackandandah and Barnawartha."

ALSO IN SPORT

Mudra did concede that he could see why rival clubs thought that the Hawks had a perceived advantage.

"I'm pragmatic when it comes to the draw and it is what it is," he said.

"We will just turn up when they tell us to turn up and play.

"I hope we play well enough to get the result we are aiming for.

"My theory is that if we just keep turning up and winning, it will take any luck regardless of the draw out of the equation.

"I'm not worried about the external noise about the draw and we will end up on the ladder where we deserve to be."

Chiltern appear to be the biggest losers.

The Swans were forced to give up their home game against Yackandandah last month and lost to the Roos by a kick.

They will miss out on clashes with Wahgunyah and Rutherglen where the Swans would have been favourites.

Barnawartha also miss the opportunity of a percentage boosting win against Wodonga Saints.

The Tigers have the worst percentage of the current top-four and could be the big loser if a top-three finish is decided by percentage.

Yackandandah miss return bouts with Beechworth and Kiewa-Sandy Creek.

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