AFL Victoria wanted to have clearance deadline brought forward

With uncertainty whether any leagues, outside the AFL, will start due to the COVID-19 pandemic, O and M clubs are worried they could lose players to rival competitions.

Some clubs are privately stunned the clearance window hasn't been closed.

"Transfers are managed under the National (Player) Transfer Regulations and therefore can't be closed prior to June 30 as other states are actually returning to play," AFL North East Border region general manager John O'Donohue said.

"AFL Vic has lobbied to have them closed earlier but unsuccessfully.

"Players who aren't contracted, don't owe the club money or property can transfer until June 30.

"Under National (Player) Transfer Regulations you cannot refuse a transfer unless it's one of those three reasons.

"We are exploring the use of a Type 2 permit system where players may permit to another league for the season but at the end of the season return to their registered club. This requires agreement from leagues at both ends of the transaction.

"Until we know who and who isn't playing, it's a difficult situation for all."

Naturally all O and M players would be contracted for this year, so it would then be up to a club and player to discuss the issue should the latter want to play football this year if the O and M doesn't proceed.

"One of the reasons leagues are probably delaying that ultimate decision as to whether we play or don't play is because of that danger that 15 of your players go elsewhere," Lavington president Mark Sanson said.

"I think we'll keep the majority of our list, but if someone wants to to play football and somewhere else is playing football, there's every reality we might get someone put in for a clearance."

The Picola and District league has stated it is targeting a July 11 start, which would be dependent on health and government regulations.

Berrigan coach Ty Russell told The Border Mail on Tuesday one of the O and M's highest-profile players had contacted him for a stint, should the region's top league fail to start.

As if clubs don't already have enough to think about with COVID-19 protocols, they might now have to 'stroke the ego' if a player wants out.

"I learnt many years ago, from being around a club 25 years, when people want to move and take up another opportunity, you wish them all the best because, quite often, they come back," Sanson said.

"If you upset someone the likelihood of them coming back to your club is very remote.

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"We've had a range of players go and play VFL, (Murray) Bushrangers and pursue footy at a higher level and when that doesn't work out, for whatever reason, they often link back to our club."

An O and M decision won't be made until after the Victorian Government's COVID-19 announcements on June 22.