Wangaratta coach Luke Morgan feels the league might need to be out of stage three restrictions before the season starts.
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The National Cabinet released a three-step road map for relaxing restrictions put in place to stop the spread of coronavirus, but each state and territory will decide when they're introduced.
Step one allows for outdoor sport, up to 10 people, consistent with the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport.
The second stage has a maximum of 20, while the final step allows for community sport to be considered, again in line with the AIS.
That final step also allows all venues to operate with gatherings up to 100 people.
"I'd be very confident in saying most clubs would not be able to operate with only 100 people, like you've got more than 100 at both clubs playing football or netball," Morgan said.
Most clubs would not be able to operate with only 100 people ... you've got more than 100 playing.
- Luke Morgan
"Maybe we might need to be out of stage three before we can play."
More will be known later this week when the region's governing body - AFL North East Border - meets with the league and clubs.
In mid-March, AFLNEB's masters - AFL Victoria - banned any play at community level until May 31.
Also, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews will decide on Monday whether to lift the state of emergency, amid expected easing of some restrictions.
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Of course, the three stage plan could easily be derailed by a spike in cases.
"I'm very hopeful of playing but, realistically, there's always that thought we probably won't," Morgan said.