Lance Jenkinson
State league football has become the latest victim of the global coronavirus pandemic.
AFL Victoria revealed on Monday evening that the Victoria Football League will be suspended until at least May 31.
A decision about the rest of the season will be decided once further assessments are made regarding the impact COVID-19 has on the Australian community at the time.
It is a major blow for local clubs Werribee and Williamstown, who rely heavily on memberships and gate takings for their survival.
The NAB League, an elite underage pathway system, will follow suit and shut down over the same period.
Some local football competitions, including the Western Region Football League, are yet to announce their intentions for 2020.
The WRFL has already cancelled a number of coaching workshops and clubs have been proactive with urging their players and staff to take extra precautions with their general hygiene.
The first local sport to call off its competitions was Big V basketball.
The league was due to play its opening round last weekend, but decided to suspend all game until at least April 13.
Baseball, bowls and cricket leagues went ahead with finals as planned last weekend.
Officials from those competitions will continue to monitor the coronavirus situation before signing off on play for this weekend.
