Crowds have been capped at 1000 patrons in community grounds as part of AFL Victoria's latest return to training and games protocols, with individual groups limited to 100.
Clubs across the region are calling it a big win, with Moama Football Netball Club president Matt Lake saying it will make a huge difference.
“The best part of all is we get to play football and netball,” he said.
“It's a really good outcome for clubs. A year ago they weren't sure whether players and officials would count in the cap, and that was going to be really difficult.
“Now knowing its outside of those involved makes it worth it. We can hopefully get some revenue over the canteen and the bar.
“Clubs need to start working back so that opportunity is great for us all.”
Masks will also be a feature of the season, with face masks to be worn in indoor settings, and a recommendation that all coaches and other support staff wear a mask if social distancing cannot be achieved.
There will also be a crackdown on hygiene, with spitting and nose blowing not permitted, while hand shakes and high fives are also not allowed.
In a major change to junior sport, parents and supporters will not be able to enter the club rooms, nor will they be able to enter the field of play during quarter and three-quarter-time breaks, nor after the game.
All clubs will be required to not only have a COVIDSafe plan, but to display it at the ground, while also having signage for how many people can be in each space such as bar and canteen areas.
Cleaning of club areas and hygiene protocols will remain a high priority throughout the season.
Echuca United president Ian Johnson said while the protocols presented some challenges, clubs were ready for the task.
“There are a few things we are all going to have to do to get ready,” he said.
“But you take the challenge head on and do what has to be done to get a season up and going.
“There is the ability to get things underway again, and we've been waiting a year for the opportunity. Whatever has to be done to meet with the protocols isn't a big deal, we will just get it done.”
Echuca South Recreation Reserve will host the traditional Three Jacks clash in round one on Good Friday (April 2), and Johnson hopes for more movement before then.
“A crowd of 1000 is a great start since at one point it could have been a lot lower,” he said.
“Hopefully we see things change by round one and possibly allow more people into the grounds for games.”
A full breakdown of the protocols can be found on the AFL Victoria website.
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