Victorian based Ovens and Murray clubs expecting a financial bonanza from bumper crowds have been dealt a savage blow with crowds set to be capped at 1000 this season.
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In contrast and in a nightmare scenario for the league and its clubs, NSW based clubs are allowed to host crowds of up to 3000.
AFL Victoria announced the crowd cap in its updated return to training and games protocols over the weekend.
It means Yarrawonga can have a crowd of up to 3000 for its season opener against Lavington on Easter Sunday with the match at Mulwala.
While flag fancy Myrtleford could be forced to turn people away for its first match of the season against North Albury on the same day.
The Saints attracted one of the season's biggest home and away crowds against Wangaratta Rovers over Easter two years ago with an estimated 2750 attending.
With boom recruit Dawson Simpson set to make his debut for the Saints, the club could easily attract a similar sized crowd but instead will be only allowed 1000 people.
A possible grand final preview between Wangaratta and Myrtleford in round two is another bumper clash that is expected to attract a crowd well in excess of 1000.
O&M general manager, Sean Barrett, said the league was only made aware of Victoria's protocols in regards to crowds on Monday.
"As a league we haven't had the opportunity to review all the protocols thoroughly," Barrett said.
"Once we do we will initiate discussions with clubs that will be impacted by it and work through the process from there."
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AFL NEB regional manager Zac Guilfoyle revealed there were three tiers in regards to patron capping with 0-1000 (Tier 1), 1000-5000 (Tier 2) and 5000 plus (Tier 3).
Guilfoyle said clubs could apply to the Victorian government for a Tier 2 classification.
"There is scope for clubs who expect to attract crowds of more than 1000 to apply for Tier 2 classification for approval from the state government," Guilfoyle said.
"But it involves a 19-page application and can take six to eight weeks for approval to be met."
The season is set to commence in 47 days which is just over six weeks.
Both matches are in NSW with Albury hosting Yarrawonga and Lavington playing Wangaratta Rovers.
