The club was forced off the North Wangaratta Recreation Reserve after lead contamination was found in the ground’s soil in May 2016.

Wangaratta council said unforeseen delays would keep the venue out of action longer than anticipated.

“This is the first project of its kind that we know of in Victoria and it has been uncharted territory for all agencies throughout the process,” Wangaratta mayor Ken Clarke said.

“It took longer than expected for the testing and validation that all contaminated soil had been removed.

“That means ground works on the rehabilitation only began a few weeks ago, when they were expected to begin in January or February.

“While the contractors are working as quickly as possible, the timelines now mean it will be a difficult time of year to establish a grass surface at the ground and have that surface ready for football this year.”

Arrangements will be made for North Wangaratta’s remaining Ovens and King league matches this year but the mayor said a 2018 return remained possible.

“We are still hopeful games will be played on the ground this season but that is weather dependent,” Mr Clarke said.

“In the interests of planning and setting expectations, council is now working with North Wangaratta and AFL North East Border on contingency plans.

“This is highly disappointing for the football club and the broader North Wangaratta community.

“Council will continue to support the club in any way possible and we would ask the community to do the same.”

Work completed at the site so far has included the removal of an estimated 1200m3 of contaminated soil from the reserve, along with associated testing of the site.

The current scope of works being undertaken includes new drainage, irrigation and replacing the soil and grass on the ground, as well as new fencing, player shelters and goal posts.

The $3 million project is a collaboration of state and local government.