Ovens and Murray season start likely to be pushed back to May

"The Board of the SSA OMFNL is holding a Special meeting on Wednesday night to discuss its response to the Coronavirus situation," chairman David Sinclair said in a statement.

"Like all organisations we are in unchartered territory. I spoke to all 10 clubs presidents yesterday (Sunday) and have advised them to prepare for the possibility of season commencement being postponed until May 2 and therefore impacting rounds 1-4. Further announcements will be made post our meeting Wednesday night."

It's a bitter blow for the league, albeit not unexpected given recent events.

The VFL season was suspended on Monday for the foreseeable future. It follows Richmond VFL's decision to suspend its VFL program.

The O and M was scheduled to start with a stand-alone match between Albury and Wodonga Raiders on March 28.

Although more will be known after Wednesday night's meeting, the league had a stack of blockbusters in the first month, including three over the Easter weekend with the rejuvenated Yarrawonga hosting Wodonga Raiders in its annual game at Mulwala.

The prospect of losing Easter games would have a massive impact, particularly on Yarrawonga, Myrtleford and Corowa-Rutherglen.

The Anzac Day round was scheduled for round four.

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Meanwhile, AFL North East Border is expecting to shortly unveil the governing body's next plans.

"Further to communications with AFL North East Border Clubs, Leagues, Umpires and Auskick Centres on Friday March 13th, 2020, further discussions are continuing at the games National, State and Regional Level as to the impacts on the 2020 season," regional general manager John O'Donohue said in a statement on Monday.

"Whilst a level of disruption may be expected, no definitive position has been established yet as this very complex matter is considered with the expert advice of the AFL, its State Bodies and the World Health Organisation.

"It is acknowledged that the implications of any disruption to the season can be significant on all levels of the game and therefore AFL North East Border will continue to work with the AFL and AFL Victoria on a plan for the 2020 season with a decision likely in the next 24 hours."

Elsewhere, nearby Hume League is in limbo.

"We discussed it at our our league launch with Marc Geppert (AFLNSW/ACT regional manager of Southern NSW) and I would expect something from above soon," league president Brendan I'Anson said.

I'Anson estimated "many" matches would draw crowds of around 500 people.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people would be suspended from Monday, March 16.

And the Eastern Football League has today made the decision to immediately suspend all training, practice matches and events across the entire competition until further notice.

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