Wodonga Bulldogs president Mauro Stefani has concerns with the Ovens and Murray season proceeding this year, saying it could do more harm than good for clubs financially.
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With uncertainty looming around how a season might look, Stefani admitted there's just as many questions surrounding costs, with many clubs revenue streams effected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It might not be a good idea to play footy because it might break us," Stefani said.
"The only way that we could move forward and play this year and set ourselves up for next year is if all players play for nothing, umpires do likewise, and we play the games with as little costs as possible."
In the cut-backs, the Ovens and Murray cap will drop to $80,000, followed by Hume ($45,000), Tallangatta ($40,000), Ovens and King ($35,000) and Upper Murray ($25,000).
Those figures are for full home and away schedules and will be reduced if shortened seasons are completed.
Outside of match-day revenue from gate-takings and canteen and bar sales, the Bulldogs' biggest source of fundraising is their Friday night bingo, which has been postponed due to strict distancing measures put in place last month.
"Our revenue raising could be zero," he said.
Compared to some clubs who have recruited players from the likes of Melbourne and Sydney, Wodonga has been heavily reliant on young local talent to fill its ranks.
Stefani confirmed he was confident players would be willing to do what it takes to see the club survive.
"We have a lot of young local kids who all grew up here and are loyal," Stefani said.
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"They'd play for a lot less just to keep the club alive.
"We've got a really good bunch of young kids and I've got every confidence that they will stick by us.
"In turn we as a board also have to return the favour, we'll do everything possible to look after them."
"It's a bit of a reality check of what country footy is ... it probably helps my old club, Wodonga, because they've just got young locals," he said.
