Considering the convoluted, stop-start nature of the 2021 AFL Canberra season, it feels oddly fitting that the Goulburn Swans' campaign should come to an end with yet another cancellation.
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Nonetheless, it was still a "rough" way to finish the year, according to the club's Facebook page, when AFL Canberra announced its decision to shut down all competitions in accordance with the seven-day lockdown announced by the nation's capital late last week.
"A rough way to end our season but we are looking forward to bigger and better things in 2022!" the Swans said.
The Swans' fortunes had certainly improved over the course of the season.
After starting with a 99-point defeat at the hands the Batemans Bay Seahawks, Goulburn was then thrashed by the Southern Cats, 22.10.142 to 2.6.18.
However, the club recorded its first win of the year over the Molonglo Juggernauts the following week, which was followed three weeks later by a one-point victory over the Woden Blues.
Most tellingly, however, was not the Swans' wins, but the trend of their score differentials.
With three margins of 99 points or more in their first four defeats, the club's first half of the season was dreary. However, following the win over the Blues, there was a marked improvement from Goulburn.
In four losses after that game, the Swans only ceded a 50-point lead to their opponents once.
While that might seem a small point of difference, it marks a significant shift for a team which was largely composed of very young and inexperienced players.
In response to the ACT lockdown, AFL Canberra posted a statement confirming that a junior player had tested positive for COVID-19, and it urged all players, supporters, and staff to follow the health guidelines set forward by the government.
"ACT Health is continuing to work with all parties involved and has since notified any close contacts who need to isolate and/or get tested," the organisation said.
"AFL Canberra has confirmed this with ACT Health and will continue to receive any necessary updates to provide to our clubs and participants.
"AFL Canberra will continue to follow the most up to date health advice from the ACT Government and advise our broader AFL community accordingly.
"Please continue to practice good hygiene and we urge all of our footy communities to please stay at home during this seven-day lockdown."
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