Hampden league president Tim Mason says a nine-round season is a great option

The COVID-19 pandemic forced AFL Western District to in March postpone south-west football and netball until at least May 31.

All south-west leagues were affected. Mason said the board had discussed extending the season as a 'plan b' option and liked the idea of a nine-round season.

"It would be great to get a nine round season with finals. This would mean that each team plays each other once and makes it fair and equitable to hold a finals season," he said.

"If possible we would be happy to extend the season if this suits all stakeholders.

"This would need to be agreed with councils and all other sports that this would impact on, but it is one of the plan b (options) that we have discussed."

A survey of players conducted by The Standard found all 20 quizzed would favour a nine-match campaign with finals.

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When asked if the Hampden league would consider playing games without crowds, Mason said: "We have and will continue to consult with all of our clubs, AFLWD and the other leagues in the region about what a return to football looks like and we will consider all options when the time presents itself."

He said the executive was working with AFLWD and clubs to ensure the sports could "hit the ground running".

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