Both sports were temporarily shelved in March as AFL Western District moved to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Murphy, who replaced Michael Harrison in the league's top job last year, said a nine-round model plus finals was a fair compromise.

"For the evenness of the competition a nine-round season would certainly be a preferred option if we can get started in time," she said.

"We would need to work in with the surrounding leagues, councils, and cricket leagues if we were to extend the season into November.

"I believe If it can work finishing towards the end of September early October that would suit everyone."

Murphy said it was hard to speculate on return scenarios without official guidelines from AFL Victoria.

She said one concept floated elsewhere - playing matches without crowds - would be tough at a community level.

Murphy said the executive hadn't discussed the idea. The Central Highlands Football Netball League - which is located on the Victorian goldfields - this week said it was open to the idea.

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Hampden league president Tim Mason on Thursday said his board would consult clubs, AFL Western District and other leagues on "what a return to football looks like and we will consider all options when the time presents itself".

"We have not spoken about it and it will come down to the clubs, and the board with AFLWD," Murphy said.

"Playing matches without crowds would make it harder on clubs to maintain their finances with little or no income from game days.

"Being a very much a family orientated day with juniors to seniors playing both football and netball throughout the day it's hard to see how this would look."

Murphy said confidence was flowing through the league.

"I think everyone is hungry for the return of their sport. There seems to be a bit of excitement in surrounding football and netball leagues that want to get up and running," she said.

"Confident is a big word at the minute for a return of the WDFNL. I would love to see football and netball back playing.

"We still have the uncertainty which presents one of the greatest challenges.

"Hopefully in the next few weeks with AFL Victoria announcements we will know more on where we stand."

The Standard understands AFL Victoria will provide a detailed return to play update at the end of April after a roadmap for the elite level of the game has been released to the public.

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