One option floated to minimise impacts of eventually being forced to play at another venue is the Panthers playing up to four games at home early in the season including one on March 30 _ a week before the April 6 scheduled start.

But Panthers president Peter Barwick said nothing was locked in with the fixture still being formulated by O and M administrators and rival clubs agreeing to be sympathetic to the club’s plight.

“It would be very beneficial to us if that was the case, but once the draft draw is out we will know more,” he said.

Albury Council, which owns the ground, can’t guarantee how long the Panthers can have access to the ground with a works tender not awarded until February.

The O and M hopes to present a draw to clubs early next month with further complicating factors being Easter and Anzac Day falling in the same week and multiple clubs being involved in regular blockbuster fixtures on those dates.

“If we can get more games (at Lavington) earlier in the year it is something we will look at,” O and M general manager Sean Barrett said.

“It is a challenging process at the best of times and this one is no different.”

The extensive list of works include the main grandstand upgrade and extension with a further 300 undercover seats, coaches boxes, a parking area at the corner of Centaur Road and Hanna Street and amenities building for the additional playing field created behind the main oval.

The order of works is also contingent on who wins the tender which is due for release early next month.

Albury mayor Kevin Mack confirmed the full impact won’t be known until February.

“Council will explore every feasible option through the tender process and with the appointed contractor to facilitate as much user group activity as possible,” he said.

“Discussions continue between the Lavington Panthers Football-Netball club and the Ovens and Murray Football-Netball League on back up and alternate arrangements. 

“Council will support impacted groups wherever possible, including obtaining use of other facilities if required.”

The last time an O and M club couldn’t use its ground for matches was 2007 when the drought forced Wangaratta Rovers to forefeit two home matches at the start of the season.

Ovens and King league club North Wangaratta will return to its homeground next season after being forced off in May 2016 due to lead contamination.