Speaking ahead of next week's critical meeting which looks set to decide the future of the league, Hillier said the Blues would be voting to retain a four, five or six-team competition.

"It's not only about the sport and football," Hillier said.

"It's about the community in general.

"A lot of farmers in our club don't go anywhere during the week except for socialising at the football and netball on the weekend.

"Mental health and family things come into it as well."

Cudgewa attended a meeting where merger options between Federal, Corryong, Cudgewa and Border-Walwa were floated.

But Hillier said he made it clear the Blues' preference was to play in the Upper Murray instead of merging and switching to the Tallangatta and District league.

It is believed the Magpies' preference is to also stand alone.

"We want to go with option one or two which is to continue on with four, five or six teams," Hillier said.

"Netball is very strong up here but nobody is giving that any thought in this football process.

"There are something like 300 girls involved.

"What happens to all of them?

"It doesn't particularly matter if the standard of football goes down as long as there is a competition as well as the social side of it."

Bullioh has applied to join the Tallangatta and District league with the Bulldogs disappointed only three Upper Murray league clubs have reserve grade teams.

Former president Shayne Ried said the situation had reached crisis point with his club fearing for its future.

"Our reserves are completely disillusioned by it all," Ried said.

"We have had such strong numbers for a long period and are seeing a decline because we can't get a game.

"It's not about us thinking we are better than anyone, we just want a game of footy."

If Bullioh fail to cross to the Tallangatta league, it is unable to reapply for another two years.

Hillier said Cudgewa would only look at other options if the Upper Murray disbanded.

"I put my point across that our preferred option is for the league to continue but if there is no other option we would have to look at it (TDFL)," he said.

"We are a strong club but I can imagine the step up as a lone club to the Tallangatta league would be big."

Cudgewa recently re-appointed coach Brayden Carey.