Myrtleford to face Albury for second time without Melbourne players

The Victorian Government lifted the lockdown for those outside of Melbourne, as of 11.59pm on Monday night.

Melbourne's lockdown is due to end at 8pm this Thursday, but Premier Daniel Andrews gave no indication whether that would be extended.

Of course, the situation with Melbourne players could change in the coming days.

It was revealed on Saturday morning, Victoria had 29 COVID cases, but that figure has fallen to 11 respectively for the past two days.

Melbourne-based people are only allowed to leave home for five reasons and community sport is not one.

If that remains the same past Saturday afternoon, it means the three clubs with the highest number of Melbourne-based players will be severely impacted with community sport in regional Victoria allowed to re-start following the end of the lockdown.

The Ovens and Murray has cancelled the past four rounds due to Victoria's COVID lockdowns.

It's the second shutdown after a two-week spell in late May-early June.

When play resumed on June 12, Melbourne players weren't allowed to play.

Undefeated Albury hammered top three contenders Myrtleford by 84 points, its biggest loss.

Wangaratta and Wangaratta Rovers are the other teams with around a third of their teams travelling from Melbourne.

In round eight, Wangaratta toppled Yarrawonga by 63 points, while Rovers defeated Corowa-Rutherglen by 25.

While the teams to contest finals is confirmed, third spot is yet to be decided.

Heading into the final two rounds, Rovers (130.21%) and Myrtleford (109.16%) are tied on 32 points apiece, with Raiders (90.60%) on 28.

Given their experience against Albury the first time, the Saints would start long outsiders with another heavy loss potentially ending any chance of jumping Rovers to snare the double chance.

The league held a board meeting on Monday night and the feedback is positive.

"They just want to start again," league general manager Craig Millar offered.

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Another board meeting is planned for 5pm on Tuesday.

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