Hawthorn’s 2020 home and away season will be reduced to a 17-round format, as the league and clubs continue to respond to the evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The AFL announced plans for the reduced format this afternoon, stating that all teams will play each other once.
The fixture will be fluid, with the AFL wishing to maintain flexibility to adjust as circumstances change.
The news comes following an announcement that all state-based leagues – including the VFL and VFLW competitions – will be delayed until at least May 31st.
Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill, was due to kick off its season on Friday April 3rd, while the Hawthorn women’s team was fixtured to commence on Sunday May 10th.
The club will continue to provide updates across all of the Hawks’ teams as this situation evolves.
First and foremost, this ever-changing situation remains a health and safety issue at its core, and the club is committed to acting in the best interests of its people and the wider community during this uncertain time.
