Star Lockhart midfielder Jordan Harrington has pleaded with the Hume league to rethink its decision to abandon the senior premiership season.
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Harrington fears the competition will be set back years with an exodus of players if neighbouring competitions including the Ovens and Murray, Tallangatta and District, Riverina and Farrer leagues kick-off next month.
The 24-year-old said rival leagues had been circling players for several weeks.
"It's such a good league and I'd hate to see it go backwards," Harrington said.
"If they take all of our players, I think it could ruin the comp.
"To me it seems like the Hume league thinks players don't want to play and that's just not true."
Harrington believes "many" Hume league players have been approached since the premiership season was called off with Culcairn's Dane Hallinan the first to officially commit to another club by signing with Wodonga Raiders,
Defending premier Osborne is desperate to play football and is exploring the option of joining the Riverina league for 12 months.
"A lot of clubs are ringing around, I know I've had a few calls," Harrington said.
"My preference is obviously to stay at Lockhart but I also want to play football.
"Players want to have a kick.
"It could create a lot of friction between players and clubs if players are wanting to leave and nobody wants that to happen either.
"I hope the Hume league changes its mind before it's too late."
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Harrington said some Lockhart players would be happy to play a shortened season without an official premiership.
Osborne coach Joel Mackie has led a push from the Tigers and Lockhart to reinstate the season with the former Albury star extremely vocal at a recent league meeting.
Both clubs voted to play into October.
Meanwhile, Southern NSW regional manager Marc Geppert will meet with the Hume league on Wednesday with the immediate future of its senior competition on the agenda.
Geppert said although the league had announced it won't play for a premiership this season it still hadn't officially stated there would be no senior football.
"We still need to clarify what the Hume league season looks like from a senior perspective," Geppert said.
"There is still a little bit of conjecture surrounding if there will be senior football.
"Most of the clubs have finalised their own plans but we still need the Hume league to finalise its plans in regards to the seniors.
"If there is no senior football, clubs can then look at their options of joining other leagues."
Osborne is the only club to state that it is exploring its options and wishes to join the Riverina league.
Geppert said there was still time for the reigning premier to switch competitions.
"AFL Riverina could create an affiliate position for Osborne to compete for this season only," he said.
"Osborne will also have to seek an endorsement from the Hume league board in regards to its plans.
"That has not officially been done yet but I know there has been a lot of talk about Osborne moving competitions.
"But first and foremost Osborne need endorsement from the Hume league board before they even attempt to switch leagues."
The Hume league will also discuss its junior options on Wednesday night.