We have Bouncedown!

Logistics and details on how the 2020 Optus WAFL and WAFLW Premiership Seasons will kick off have been revealed, after the West Australian Football Commissions board meeting last night, Tuesday May 26.

With all clubs, players, coaches, support staff and umpires showing flexibility in these unprecedented times, the feeling around the grounds is the same; that the WAFL and WAFLW are bigger than football and play an important part throughout the community.

The WAFL League, Reserves and Women’s competitions will commence on the first weekend in August, while the Simply Energy Colts fixtures will be finalised pending confirmation of an AFL National 18s Championship in 2020.

While fixtures are yet to be released, one of the key reasons for the late start to the season surrounded the importance of supporters being able to be present at games.

‘It is possible the season will start without spectators,’ WAFC Executive Manager - WAFL & Football Operations, Scott Baker said. ‘However, we are optimistic fans will be able to attend games when further restrictions are lifted by the State Government towards the end of the season or during finals.’

‘This is crucial to the ongoing sustainability of the clubs, and one of the key reasons we have delayed the start of the season for as long as possible.’

The 2020 season format will see every WAFL team play each other once across nine rounds, with the WAFLW teams meeting twice. Quarters will be 16 minutes in length, plus time-on.

The finals series will see only the top four teams on the ladder compete, concluding no later than the week before the AFL Grand Final.

The winner of each Grand Final will be awarded the 2020 Optus WAFL or WAFLW Premiership Cup, while individual awards, including the Sandover Medal, will still be presented.

In what can only be described as an incredible show of respect and understanding in the current climate from the players, Total Player Payments (TPP) will be reduced by more than 50%. Clubs will be able to determine how much they pay players, up to a maximum limit per game, dependant on their current financial circumstances. Payments for field and goal umpires will also see a reduction.  

League coach, Adam Pickering, said it’s an incredible show of support to both the coaches and the club that his players are willing to sacrifice a large portion of their football earnings, to pull on the black and white stripes this season.

‘Although it’s nice, I don’t think that money is the main priority for these guys’ he says.

‘Their mindset in the way they have attacked their footy and their training so far, I’d be very confident that that wouldn’t affect them playing out the 2020 season.

‘It’s more about playing for their footy club, at the highest level they can.’

Channel 7 will continue to broadcast league games, as well as the Colts and WAFLW Grand Finals, with the option being considered to set up a single venue, for television purposes.

Women’s head coach, Leith Woods, says that the live broadcast of the WAFLW Grand Final is a great way to showcase the ladies game in WA.

‘I think every team would agree that our game being out there on mainstream TV, Channel 7, is fantastic’ she said.

‘It puts the sport out there, allowing more people to see the girls playing footy, which is the main thing.

‘I don’t think the broadcast necessarily adds any incentive to the girls wanting to make the grand final. The main incentive is still to make sure we are in the grand final.’

Stay tuned to our website and Social Media pages as we continue to keep you up to date with all future info leading up to the start of the WAFL and WAFLW season.