A training discrepancy could hurt Victorian-based AWFA clubs when the season resumes on July 12.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced contact training in community sport for adults cannot start until July 13 - a day after the competition resumes.
NSW clubs can do so on July 1, leaving them better prepared for their first matches in four months.
Myrtleford co-coach Jayden Vescio said while it isn't ideal, the greater good of the game should be paramount.
"For the sake of sport in the area, if we're a little bit behind, I'm sure we'll catch up pretty quickly," he said.
ALSO IN SPORT:
"Our biggest hurdle when AWFA came out was the date was Matt (co-coach Matt Park) and I were trying to lock away a couple of friendlies, so that hurts us a bit.
"If it means we have to have a bit of a kick in Albury, we may look at that."
Daniel Vasilevski coached Wangaratta to the league-cup double last year and believes teams training with contact will have an advantage, but it's not a huge setback.
"I believe clubs can still train at a high intensity without the contact, but will lack the competitive edge when coming up against a team that has been training that way for a few weeks, but it won't be a big issue if that's the way it is," he said.
"Our training sessions have actually been better. Our players are moving the ball much quicker and thinking quicker without getting caught with it."
Vescio hinted bye fixtures against Wodonga Heart and Twin City could be spread between Victorian clubs to give them a little more time.