While the sporting world has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there remains plenty of optimism about winter sports eventually getting the green light.
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All AFL across the country has been shut down until at least May 31, which includes club training and other activities. However, Hume Football and Netball League chairman Brendan I'Anson is hopeful that a season of some sorts could still be rolled out.
The league will hold a board meeting on Wednesday to weigh up various scenarios for the 2020 season.
An important discussion will centre around the current employment arrangements of the league's operations manager, Dalton Wegener.
Wegener is the only employee of the league and does this on a part-time basis. Eighty per cent of AFL full-time staff have lost their jobs across Australia. "After speaking with most clubs in the league, it is pretty clear that they are busting for the season to start at some point," I'Anson said.
"Ideally, it would be great to play at least a full round of matches against each club prior to a finals series.
"A start some time in June or July would be the best-case scenario, while the worst result would be a season cancelled. It is very much an open book, and I think it is very important we look at all sorts of options and opportunities to get netball and football started. We will maintain ongoing discussions with neighboring leagues like the Ovens and Murray and Tallangatta who are facing similar obstacles."
One consideration being thrown around is the possibility of the cricket and tennis seasons being delayed to allow more time for winter sports to be completed.
With the AFL season at the highest level preparing to play deep into December to complete season it does open up options at regional level for extended seasons.
Another option for the league to consider would be a shortened finals series with the prospect of a top four playing off over two weekends.
Already, the league has decided to cancel several commitments including the junior football interleague competition in Wangaratta.
The Hume league had planned to send representative sides to play against Albury and Wangaratta junior representative teams at under 14 and 16 levels at the May tournament.
A Hume league girls AFL team had also been set to play in the North East Border Female Football League in 2021.
While that's still a season away, the league had planned to form development squads and training ahead of the 2021 season.
The side is to be based out of Jindera.
The popular Hume FNL Hall of Fame evening scheduled for end of July has also been cancelled.
I'Anson said several Hume clubs had completed extensive upgrades to facilities including changerooms, kiosks and clubrooms.
"The ground at Walbundrie has had the older changerooms on the eastern side of the ground upgraded along with the netball courts," he said.
"Both Walla and Howlong have incredibly impressive upgrades to their clubrooms and hosting facilities and look great.
"At the end of the day, we will be guided by how quickly the Coronavirus clears and when the authorities deem it safe to resume.
"But going by the enthusiasm of clubs to get a season started, I am sure we as a league and community can explore every option.
"The other consideration is the amount of new merchandise clubs purchase ahead of the season, and we are hoping by playing this will help with the sales of these items."
Hume league football and netball had been scheduled to start this Saturday.