While most leagues around the state have decided to play this weekend, the BFNL won't return until Saturday, August 7.

BFNL manager Cameron Tomlins said clubs had mixed responses to starting back this weekend and the BFNL board chose to wait an extra week to give players and club volunteers more time to prepare.

"There was multiple factors, but one of the key aspects we spoke to clubs about was lead-in time,'' Tomlins said.

"Different clubs had different ideas about what sort of lead-in time they needed, but all along we've been mindful about not only the welfare of players, but the welfare of club volunteers as well.

"We've already had one scenario earlier this year where we came back without crowds and that has a lot of challenges for clubs.

"Agreeing on a minimum lead-in to our return at this time of year was a key reason.

"It's difficult and there'll be some clubs who like the decision and some who don't."

As it stands, the league will resume on August 7 and play four rounds of home and away matches before the finals.

Round 16 will be played on August 7, round 17 on August 14, round 18 on August 21 and the rescheduled round 11 on August 28.

All rounds that have been missed due to the most recent Victorian lockdown - rounds 13, 14 and 15 - will be abandoned with zero points awarded to each team for each abandoned match.

Read more: HDFNL, LVFNL to resume this weekend

The finals system will remain a traditional final five format, with the grand final set for Friday, September 24.

"As demonstrated during the entire 2021 season, the BFNL would like to reiterate the current season situation remains fluid and is subject to change dependent on future health advice in the coming weeks,'' the league said in a statement.

"The BFNL will continue to work closely with AFL Central Victoria, AFL Victoria, and Netball Victoria to monitor the applicable health advice whilst always remaining fully committed to reducing financial stress on clubs where possible, to ensure sustainability and to provide a sound financial footing for 2021 and beyond.

"In what has been an incredibly difficult season for all community leagues and clubs across Australia, we ask everyone to respect the continual difficult decisions that have been made by volunteers due to unprecedented circumstances which are outside of our control."

Read more: LVFNL - where the clubs stand

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