26/08/2026
Cancellation of SANFL APY League
Today, at a meeting in Adelaide with SANFL senior management, we received the extremely difficult news that the SANFL APY season will be cancelled forthwith.
The cancellation of the SANFL APY League competitions is a deeply disappointing outcome, but one that must be met with a clear and unequivocal message: violence has no place in community sport.
The recent incidents of violence are unacceptable and cannot be normalised, excused, or allowed to continue. Sport is supposed to provide a safe, positive, and respectful environment for players, families, officials, volunteers, and the wider community. When that environment is compromised by acts of violence, decisive action is not only justified — it is essential.
The SANFL, as the controlling body, has a responsibility to protect the integrity and safety of its competitions. Allowing violence to continue without meaningful consequences would send completely the wrong message. The decision to cancel the APY League competitions demonstrates that there must be a firm line drawn when participant safety and community standards are breached.
This is not about punishing players or communities who want to participate in football and softball. It is about making it absolutely clear that violence will not be tolerated as part of sport, regardless of the circumstances, the individuals involved or the location in which it occurs.
Everyone involved in the APY competitions — players, clubs, coaches, officials, administrators, and supporters — must understand that participation in sport comes with responsibility. Respect for opponents, officials and teammates is non-negotiable. Those who engage in violence must be held accountable for their actions.
The cancellation of the APY competitions is a serious consequence, and it is regrettable that the actions of some have resulted in opportunities being lost for many who simply want to play sport. However, the responsibility for that consequence ultimately rests with those whose behaviour has made such action necessary.
SANFL must stand firm. The message must be clear: enough is enough. Violence cannot, and will not, be accepted as part of sport.
We support strong leadership, strong accountability, and a zero-tolerance approach to violence. The safety, dignity and wellbeing of everyone involved in community sport must come first.
