Club Statement: Round 7 Postponement
In response to restrictions announced by the Victorian Government this morning, the Box Hill Hawks wish to advise our members and supporters this weekend’s round seven fixture against Port Melbourne has been postponed.
The Club will be closed to players and staff for the duration of the lockdown.
“We have an obligation to our community to do what’s right by one other, and for the time being that’s not playing football,” said Daniel Napoli, Box Hill Hawks’ General Manager – VFL and VFLW.
“We will continue to proactively engage in dialogue with each of the AFL, VFL and Hawthorn Football Club, as well as adhere to advice from relevant health authorities, to determine and plan for the most practical date to return to train and play.
“All parties involved have been terrific and we’re on the same page: we want to be out on the field, competing and putting on a show – but only when it’s responsible to do so.
“It’s been wonderful to see the momentum and quality of this new VFL season over the first six weeks of the competition. We’ll shift our focus to being best placed to hit the ground running when it resumes.”
With regard to restrictions on crossover between AFL and VFL programs, the Box Hill Hawks will continue to work closely with Hawthorn and the code’s governing bodies to navigate the coming period.
“For aligned clubs there is an added layer of complexity given we share playing and staffing resources,” Napoli said.
“Again, our communication with and commitment to one another has been faultless.
“We’ll maintain a strong dialogue and find the most workable solution.”
The Box Hill Hawks will advise its members and fans of any significant developments regarding a return to play as soon as information becomes available.