There has been plenty of uncertainty on whether play would resume after action across each grade had been suspended for the past month due to COVID-19 restrictions.
But the league and club presidents opted to call time on the season at a meeting on Wednesday, September 8.
AWFA president Mark Leman issued a statement once the meeting had concluded.
“The AWFA executive and club presidents met tonight and have made the difficult decision to cancel all football competitions for the 2021 season,” the statement read.
“This decision was reached with much consultation will all clubs, unfortunately the Victorian Public Health Orders currently released today has made this decision for us.”
Leman indicated that champions would be named in each grade, but divulged individual honours would not be recognised.
The Roar's senior women outfit came agonisingly close to title success after ending the season in second spot on the division two ladder by a single point.
Cobram's under-13 boys finished second, while the under-17 boys and under-15 girls both ended the year in fifth spot.
“The management committee have agreed that we will award league champions as of September 8, based on points only. If points are equal, there will be joint champions awarded,” Leman said.
“All clubs discussed individual awards and, after a robust discussion, it was agreed that no individual awards will be awarded for season 2021.”
Leman thanked each participant for their efforts during a difficult campaign.
“I hope that all our stakeholders understand that the 2021 season has been a difficult one to manage, especially as we come off the back of one round in 2020 and a stop-start season for 2021,” he said.
“The executive would like to thank all our clubs, players, volunteers, referees and club spectators for your patience over these difficult times. You have all stuck by your clubs and have done your best to keep your club thriving and this dedication should be commended.
“The challenge now is to start building for a better 2022 season and to ensure we get as many of our members back playing the game, we all enjoy. The executive will now be focusing on the 2022 season in consultation with our clubs.”
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