The Miners have been hit hard in the new year with Oscar Wilding, Riley Smith and Liam Vandermeer all in isolation, while other members of the side contracted the virus around the Christmas period but have since been given the all-clear.

Veteran Chris Hartshorn said it will come down to how well clubs manage the situation.

"We had a few young blokes who had been to parties or to the cricket in Melbourne," he said.

"We cancelled training as we didn't want to risk someone turning up with COVID and rain ended up cancelling it anyway.

"I think it's going to be a juggling act until the end.

"Hopefully it's all gone by March because you'd hate to see a gun player miss out on finals."

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The Miners made a solid start with two wins and two losses.

"We're in the mix but we've got a lot to improve on," Hartshorn said.

"There's no use playing your grand final in January, we've just got to make sure we build up to March with our form."

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