FARRER League president David Oehm is confident the coronavirus outbreak won't completely derail the seasons of local football competitions.
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While some within the local scene harbour concerns the region faces a winter of no football, Oehm is optimistic competitions will be able to proceed once the postponement period for matches and training imposed by the AFL ends on May 31.
Clubs are hopeful the coronavirus threat eases in time for leagues to play at least one full round to maintain the integrity of competitions.
"Hopefully we start in the first or second week of June and play one round," Oehm said.
"We've got to protect all the players and patrons, but I'm confident of getting some football in from June onwards."
Oehm is hopeful the delayed season won't drastically affect the bottom line of clubs, given player payments are paid on a game-by-game basis.
"Even though you're not getting gate takings or as much sponsorship, clubs won't be spending as much money either," he said.
"I don't know how that equalises out, it may be different from club to club."
AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said they will establish a working party and will organise teleconference meetings with clubs to update on the way forward.
"There's a number of things to digest. The AFL is putting together some frequently asked questions and guidelines so it will take some time to go through that, provide an update to clubs and work through what a season fixture will look like," Irons said.
Irons said sponsorship deals would be looked at given the season length will be heavily reduced at best.
"We're reviewing all of that because we understand the economic impact on businesses that support us as well," he said.
Riverina League president Chris Flanigan said any action going forward would be determined by the AFL.
"We'll get ourselves sorted, meet with the board and the AFL around scenarios and the way forward, and get a united response out to clubs," he said.
Meanwhile, the Southern NSW Women's premiership may go unclaimed this year with the grand final between Charles Sturt University and North Wagga Saints under threat.
The clash was due to be played next weekend and remains a chance to be re-scheduled for later in the year, but no team will be crowned premiers if it is unable to be played.
Although Netball NSW only imposed a ban until May 2, the Riverina and Farrer League netball competitions will also be suspended until May 31.
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