Hallinan has lodged a clearance to join Wodonga Raiders in the wake of the Hume league's decision not to play for a premiership this season.

Several of Hallinan's former Lion teammates including his brother Tim and Jye Shields joined the Raiders over the summer.

Hallinan said he remained optimistic that the Ovens and Murray would play a shortened season this year which led to his decision.

"I'm just desperate to play football this year if it's at all possible," Hallinan said.

"I probably had the best pre-season of my career and was looking forward to the year before the coronavirus bombshell was dropped.

"Obviously a few of the Culcairn boys went to Raiders over the summer and I know Jarrod Hodgkin fairly well.

"So it was a no brainer really to sign with Raiders and fingers crossed we can start."

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Hallinan has spent the past four seasons at Culcairn and won its best and fairest in 2016.

The prolific possession winner enhanced his reputation during last year's finals series with three dominant performances.

The Lions lost to eventual premier Osborne in the preliminary final.

Hallinan said Culcairn officials fully supported his decision.

"Culcairn was one of three Hume league clubs to vote for the season to be extended into October," he said.

"All the players I talked to were disappointed that the Hume league decided not to play for a premiership.

"But from a league perspective I know its a complex situation and it wouldn't have been an easy decision to make."

Culcairn coach Craig Bosley said he expected rival Hume league clubs would also be faced with a similar situation.

"At the end of the day all players want to do is play football," Bosley said.

"Dane is no different and we fully understand his decision."