Bendigo Pioneers under-18 boys and girls teams will return to competition in a revamped NAB League.
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The AFL announced on Wednesday that the boys will play a revised six-game season starting on the weekend of August 22-23 and a round of finals involving all clubs.
The NAB League boys competition will be run through two conferences, metro and country.
The NAB League girls teams, who had played three matches in March before the COVID-19 lockdown, will play a further two home and away rounds, starting September 5, and a finals weekend involving all clubs.
"In line with the variations to all football competitions this year, the focus for both NAB League girls and boys football in 2020 is to ensure talent in both leagues are provided with the best opportunity to develop as footballers and ultimately reach the elite level," AFL head of talent pathways and state league competitions Tristan Salter said.
"It may not look like a normal NAB League season, but we are committed to providing the right platform for the players and clubs.
"In just one season, the NAB League has had a major impact on the NAB AFL / AFLW National Drafts with more than 50% of the total draftees coming from the NAB League. The 2020 NAB League will provide all eligible AFL and AFLW draft prospects the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of a NAB AFL and AFLW Drafts at the end of this year."
The AFL said it would continue to review all arrangements including return-to-training, potential crowds and broadcast models in consultation with clubs, the Victorian state government and respective health officers.
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