After initially indicating early last week the cut-off date to finish senior seasons would be September 19, AFL Riverina's board met on Monday night to "assess what the latest lockdown restrictions means for our competitions" after the regional NSW lockdown was extended until September 10.

While the board is yet to officially go on record stating they have deviated from the initial plan and are investigating means of keeping football and netball seasons alive, it was all but confirmed in a short statement released this afternoon.

AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons declined to offer any further comment when the Daily Advertiser requested to ask questions after the statement was released.

"The AFL Riverina board met on Monday, August 30 to discuss the 2021 finals strategy for all AFL Riverina competitions," it said.

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"AFL Riverina will look to make an announcement regarding our 2021 finals strategy in the coming days as we seek clarification on government restrictions post lockdown, confirmation of AFL grand final arrangements and discussions with our junior clubs on options for completion of seasons.

"AFL Riverina can confirm both the Gerald Clear and Marylin Brooks Medal night (both initially scheduled for Wednesday night) and the Jim Quinn Medal night have been cancelled as live events.

"AFL Riverina is currently finalising an online format and dates to present all AFL Riverina competition's best and fairest awards."

On Tuesday the AFL confirmed their grand final will remain scheduled for September 25, and be moved from Melbourne to Perth. Although a time for the opening bounce is yet to be made it will most likely be played in prime time on the eastern seaboard, avoiding a potential clash with local finals.

The developments come after a number of Riverina and Farrer League clubs united to write letters to AFL Riverina urging them to extend the initial season deadline into October to ensure every chance of playing two week finals series.

The presidents of all four clubs competing in the Riverina League finals - Coolamon, Wagga Tigers, Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong and Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes - sent a signed memorandum to AFL Riverina to reconsider the end date, and suggested some possible options going forward, dependent on government restrictions.

It is also understood six of the nine Farrer League clubs bandied together to send a similar letter before Monday's board meeting.

Wagga and District Junior Football Netball league competition management committee member Darren Wallett also urged an alternative plan be brokered to give youngsters every chance of playing finals.

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