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THE Heathcote District Football-Netball League is advising its clubs to be "prepared for anything", even midweek games, as it canvasses ways of getting as many rounds as possible in this year.
Like all leagues in the region, the start of the HDFNL season is on hold due to the coronavirus crisis, with the board to next meet in early April where it will then present clubs with up to four fixture scenarios.
At this stage the HDFNL's hope is to start its season on May 31 in line with this week's AFL recommendations for all leagues.
However, with the AFL having made the decision to begin its season on Thursday night as scheduled, chairman Peter Cole says if the AFL gets through to early May uninterrupted it could force a re-think for the HDFNL's start date.
"We'll just sit back and watch, but I can tell you now that if the AFL gets to round four or five without any dramas that will open up a whole new scenario," Cole said on Thursday.
"If we get to the start of May and the AFL is playing games and we're all just sitting around waiting then things might change... as I see it at the moment, it's don't do as I do, do as I say.
"But as far as we're concerned, everything is on the table as far as options for our clubs."
Among those options to try and get a full season in depending on the start date is potential midweek games on a Wednesday night under lights at Elmore or White Hills.
As well as the season start in limbo, all clubs in the region have been recommended by AFLCV to cease all football-netball activities, including training and practice matches, until April 1.
"In these difficult times we are all aware that both netball and football play a big part in our lives and our communities' life. It is hard to see all of this come to a screaming halt," Cole wrote to clubs this week.
"I, the HDFNL board and all the clubs have all worked together over the past few years to grow our brand and the league. We will, together, continue to do this and aim to have a netball and football season at some stage in 2020.
"We may need to look outside the box with a new draw, some midweek games, less rounds etc, all might be options.
"The most important thing that us as a board need from you is stay fit and well, look after each other and your families. It is your health that is the paramount in all this."
The HDFNL has postponed what was due to be its inaugural Hall of Fame ceremony later this year.
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