Herald Sun Shield cancelled for 2021

Following the release of the Victorian Government's roadmap out of lockdown, AFL Victoria has confirmed that the 2021 Herald Sun Shield interschool football competition has unfortunately been cancelled.

Despite multiple postponements already this year and ongoing uncertainty because of COVID restrictions, AFL Victoria remained committed to exploring all options for conducting the 44-year-old competition in 2021 to give those kids and schools involved the opportunity to participate. There was strong enthusiasm from school sport representatives around pushing the event back as late as possible and playing in October if government restrictions allowed.

However, the latest update from the Victorian Government, which outlines that community sport competition is not permitted until early November, is too late for schools and their students for the event to go ahead this year. This is an extremely disappointing outcome for everyone involved.

AFL Victoria continues to be guided by advice from the Victorian Government and health authorities, with the health and safety of the community the top priority.

Having not been able to hold the competition in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic, AFL Victoria is committed to bringing the Herald Sun Shield back in its full format in 2022.

First played in 1977, the Herald Sun Shield involves girls and boys school teams representing school associations and competing across 10 divisions, in semi-finals and grand finals.

AFL Victoria thanks the schools and associations involved for their patience and willingness to get the competition played this year, as well as long-standing competition partner News Corporation Australia, who had planned to live stream Herald Sun Shield matches.

AFL Victoria will provide separate updates on other programs, including the V/Line Cup and the Victorian Wheelchair and Blind Football Leagues.