AFL North East Border convened a Zoom meeting of all affiliated leagues on Wednesday night to discuss the coronavirus impacts on a potential season.

The leagues received the latest information relevant to the government's COVID-19 restrictions as they apply to community football

"With the Victorian State Government indicating their next round of announcements will occur around June 22nd; any decisions on other senior leagues (OMFNL, TDFL and UMFNL) would be held over pending further information and consultation with their respective league clubs." AFL North East Border region general manager John O'Donohue said in a statement.

"It was acknowledged and agreed that key factors which will influence the decision making process at that time will be the health and wellbeing of the football netball community, the capacity of volunteers to manage COVID-19 hygiene obligations and importantly, lifting of restrictions to commence the season to allow 500 spectators plus participants with a projection of extended limits to enable the conduct of feasible finals series.

"The Upper Murray recognised that it may be feasible with less than 500 spectators.

"Individual Leagues and AFLNEB Umpires will now consult further ahead of and following June 22nd as it is anticipated individual announcements on the respective league seasons will be made by the end of June.

"Should information be available earlier which may influence the decision-making process, leagues shall be informed and act accordingly. "

As it stands, the only football in Victoria and NSW to confirm its season is the AFL, with play resuming on Thursday, June 11.

And while much has been made publicly of the difficulty for community football to proceed, forward-thinking officials will see an ideal chance to push the league brand.

If the O and M could, somehow, start, it would have enormous exposure given other Border and North East leagues have either been called off (Ovens and King), not playing for a premiership (Hume) or unlikely to go ahead (Tallangatta).

IN OTHER NEWS

The lack of crowds and COVID-19 protocols could be the stumbling block, but while some will see hardship, others will view opportunity.

The Albury Wodonga Junior Football League is preparing for a shortened season, pending restriction levels in Victoria, given NSW can return to play from July 1.

The Wangaratta & District Junior Football will consider an alternate model, which will be presented to clubs before June 22, having agreed, in principle, to not conduct a premiership season.