Euroa and Mooroopna product Tamara Smith, Benalla's Becky Webster and Echuca's Annabel Johnson miss out on representing Geelong in the premiership decider against Collingwood.
The difficult decision came at the weekend off the back of competition community sport not being allowed to resume.
The AFL informed all VFLW clubs that the premiership would not be decided and Collingwood would be recognised as the minor premier.
Both clubs provided written submissions to confirm they could not field a VFLW team due to the lengthy break and to begin preparations for the upcoming AFLW pre-season.
Geelong VFLW captain Claudia Gunjaca spoke on behalf of the playing group and expressed their disappointment, but support of the decision.
“As a group, we have remained hopeful and focused throughout the uncertainty and, while it’s not the outcome we were hoping for, we understand and support the decision that’s been made,” Gunjaca said.
“As disappointing as it is, it doesn’t take away from how proud we are of what we’ve been able to achieve this season.”
Due to originally take place in July, the decider between the Pies and Geelong had been rescheduled four times.
The Cats last played in their preliminary final against Essendon on July 31, while Collingwood played on July 10.
Both outfits have not trained in the weeks following their matches.
Smith, who grew up at Euroa, has played 17 matches for the Cats in 2021 while Webster has donned the jumper five times.
AFL head of talent pathways and state league competitions Tristan Salter said the league sympathised with all players and coaches from the two clubs involved.
“The 2021 season has been a challenge to everyone connected to football,” Salter said.
“The AFL is very proud of how all VFLW clubs, players, officials, supporters and corporate partners managed through a difficult year and kept their communities connected.
“To play 90 VFLW games during a COVID-interrupted season is a testament to the resilience and commitment of the whole industry — all clubs, players, coaches, umpires and officials.
“Our clubs and the league have made a difficult decision and we sympathise with their players and coaches and their legion of fans and supporters. Everyone is aligned and united in this decision and we will come through this together.”
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