June 22 can't come around quickly enough for the Tallangatta and District league, according to president Rex Gray.
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While Gray was heartened by Sunday's announcement that senior football is free to start from July 20, he said crowd numbers and coronavirus hygiene restrictions would determine whether the season goes ahead.
"The weekend's announcement has given us a direction on which way the government is going, but there are still a lot of ifs and buts," Gray said.
"In another week we will know more and be able to make some informed decisions with our clubs.
"We need clarification on crowds and hygiene and exactly what is required.
"It's been a long wait and thankfully we are getting closer."
Clubs will be able to start contact training on July 13 and will also be able to reopen changerooms and showers.
While some TDFL clubs are keen for senior football to return, others are believed to be lukewarm in fear of taking financial hits, low player numbers and volunteer burnout.
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"At least this (weekend announcements) has given us a bit of direction to what is going on," Gray said.
"It's a good bit of information from the government.
"It's been a long time and I think it needs to be yes or no shortly."
Junior football remains firmly on the radar for Tallangatta league clubs with several options being discussed if the senior competition is abandoned.
The Ovens and Murray is also sweating on June 22 with league president David Sinclair believing Sunday's return to football announcement was a step in the right direction.
Meanwhile, Finley president Ashley Haynes said optimism had grown throughout the Murray league after the weekend's news.
"We can see some green shoots," Haynes said.
"We just need more detail on crowds and the opportunity to embrace the community.
"Most clubs are keen."
Haynes is however fearful the football season may run out of time with the Murray league hesitant to push into October.
"I just hope we don't get beaten by the clock as many clubs share grounds with the cricket," Haynes said.
"That's a pretty big issue.
"It's going to be very interesting as the Murray league doesn't want to have a mickey mouse competition either."
The Murray, Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley leagues have been in regular contact over the past month and will make decisions on their seasons after June 22.
The Picola and District league is determined to play and could target the major league for recruits if they don't start.