O&M finals series to start next weekend if Victorian lockdown lifted

In a shock decision, clubs are prepared to play finals as soon as next weekend if the proposed lockdown ends next Thursday, at 11.59pm.

It means clubs will have little more than 24 hours to prepare for the qualifying finals to be held on Saturday, September 4.

The elimination finals will be held the following day.

Clubs have been unable to train since the lockdown was implemented last Saturday.

However, clubs decided against delaying the finals series another week after consultation with league officials on Monday night.

The league also announced that October 3 is the latest date that it is prepared to stage the grand final.

A condensed finals series is an alternative option if Victoria's regional lockdown is extended next week.

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League general manager Craig Millar said clubs remained committed to playing a traditional final series.

"The meeting was to touch base with clubs and get their reaction to the latest Victorian lockdown," Millar said.

"It was agreed that October 3 would be the latest date practical for the grand final.

"If we can play it prior to then, that's a bonus.

"Clubs also want to commence finals immediately.

"So if the lockdown ends next Thursday, clubs have agreed to play finals on that weekend.

"If that's not the case, we will then discuss an alternative finals model that allows the grand final to be played by October 3."

The Sunraysia Football and Netball League made the tough call to abandon its finals series on Monday.

Similar to the O&M, the SFNL is a cross border competition based in north-west Victoria and south-west New South Wales.

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