![The Upper Murray league faces another battle after being devastated by fire. The Upper Murray league faces another battle after being devastated by fire.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/PhHnA5GT9TJUUFksUAkH55/b48706ce-77f4-4814-aefb-79a6189b75cd.jpg/r0_138_5166_3180_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
THE fire-ravaged Upper Murray Football Netball League is hoping to tap into the AFL's $1.5 million community donation to help put the competition back on its feet.
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With the six clubs being devastated by the fires, the league is desperate for assistance to ensure it kicks off in April.
Hawthorn players will visit the Upper Murray on Wednesday as a first step to helping the region.
"Different options are being thrown about at the moment to find the best ways to help out," AFL NEB operations manager Gavin Rendell said.
"It's been devastating for the region.
"I've spoken to Gordon Nicholas (league president) and the clubs and everyone is keen to do whatever they can to ensure that season 2020 goes ahead."
While Cudgewa's ground was the only one to be burnt out, the fires devastated the farms and businesses of many players, officials and supporters which will put huge financial strain on the clubs.
The Blues' recently upgraded changerooms escaped the bushfire by a matter of metres.
There have been reports of some clubs losing memorabilia in the fires.
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Border-Walwa president Richard Hulme said the fires were another huge hurdle for the Magpies to overcome.
"It's been really tough for many involved with our club," Hulme said.
"Football and netball has been the furtherest thing from their minds over the past few weeks.
"Saying that, it's probably more important than ever for sport to continue in the region as it will help people take their minds off the damage for a while."
The Tallangatta and District league has also been impacted with Tallangatta's ground being used for fire response logistics.
The Hoppers have been unable to train at the ground and there is a good chance the playing surface will be affected by heavy traffic.