Hayes, who has led Boomers to seven of the last 10 cup titles, admits clubs’ abilities to retain their stars is resulting in a lower standard of play across the league.

Twin City and Wodonga Heart both didn’t field senior ladies teams in 2017 and there’s fears more could follow suit this season.

“It’s good for reserve grade, but at the end of the day, it’s not good for the quality of the football,” Hayes said.

“I fear that there will be some even bigger results than what there has been in the past.

“This association is going to be in a rebuilding phase for the next three or four years.

“We’ve always produced really good players, but if we don’t hold them here, the standard of the game is going to decline.

“We can’t replace what we lose in the time we lose it.”

Boomers have five players left from their starting lineup in last year’s cup final.