That was the general reaction from footballers and netballers after the decision was made on Thursday night to cancel the 2020 LVFNL season.

"We always thought it was the most likely scenario,'' Bridgewater co-coach Jayden Donaldson said.

"The safety of our players, supporters and community was of the utmost importance.

"We weren't able to get enough guidance or clarity on what the next couple of months were going to look like for us to make any other decision.

"Although it's disappointing, the sustainability of clubs going forward is important."

Maiden Gully YCW football coach Wayne Mitrovic wanted the league to wait as late as possible to make a call on the season.

"At the back of my mind I thought there was an opportunity for the league to hang out for the next round of government advice,'' he said.

"I wasn't sure if there was anything to gain in calling it now, but the majority of the league wanted to knock the season on the head. It's disappointing not to have footy this year, but we move on."

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LVFNL netball clubs already have their sights set on the 2021 season.

"We knew it was coming when so many other leagues had been cancelled,'' Newbridge netball coach Selina Holland said.

"It's disappointing, but all the uncertainty around when restrictions were going to be eased, and the safety of our people, made it the right decision.

"If there's girls that want to get together for fitness work then we'll look at that.

"As soon as we get the all-clear in terms of government guidelines we'll look at having some social functions to keep the group together.

"We had a really good group together this year, so we're really keen to keep everyone together for next year.

"The girls are all pretty devastated, but it will make them more determined to get back on the court next year and show everyone what we've got."

Maiden Gully YCW netball coach Christie Griffiths said the Eagles were confident of a strong season in all grades of netball.

"It's a pity to see the season end. It would have been nice to delay the decision a couple of weeks to see if the government makes changes on crowds, but it's not a surprise when most of the clubs voted that way,'' Griffiths said.

"The girls were keen to play because we had a great pre-season and we had a great bunch of girls.

"The girls are disappointed, but we just need to look forward to next year.

"Hopefully, we can get together soon for social functions and to start planning for next year."

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Griffiths was hopeful restrictions would ease in the next few weeks which could allow her junior players to return to the court.

"I've been working on something for the juniors for the past three or four weeks just in case the LVFNL season didn't go ahead,'' she said.

"All the junior girls are keen to play which is great for the club."

Donaldson said the Bridgewater footballers would continue training on a weekly basis.

"Our intention is to keep catching up as a group each Saturday morning to have a kick and a bit of fun just because we enjoy each other's company,'' he said.

"There'll be no formal training sessions for the next couple of months.

"We turn our attention to next year and keeping our playing list together becomes our priority."

Mitrovic was confident the majority of the Eagles' 2020 list would return to the club next year.

"You're always going to get movement because it happens every year,'' Mitrovic said.

"This group was really keen to play this year, so I'm pretty confident they'll hang around.

"The disappointing thing for us is that we had some really good kids coming through.

"There were probably three under-18s from last year that looked good and probably a couple of under-18s this year that looked capable of playing senior footy.

"You never know with players that age if they're going to go away with school, uni or work...hopefully they stick with the club for next year."

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