THE REGION'S first football league has given the green light for a return to play following a coronavirus-enforced hiatus.
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The Western Victoria Female Football League became the first competition in the south-west to commit to playing a season in 2020 on Tuesday night.
The WVFFL's 12 clubs agreed to start junior and senior competitions on August 1. Ten junior sides and five senior sides were eager on returning to play.
Ararat, Cobden, Hamilton Kangaroos, Horsham Demons, Horsham Saints, Old Collegians, Portland, South Warrnambool, Stawell, Terang Mortlake, Timboon Demons and Warrnambool all have teams in the league.
AFL Western District commercial and operations manager Matt Ross said it was a positive to see women's football making its return.
"There is a lot of girls chomping at the bit to play footy and it is pleasing to see," he said.
"But we will be mindful of the restrictions and policies that might be put on us. We want to make sure it is safe for everyone but we are happy be able to give girls a game this year."
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Ross said the next step was working out a fair and flexible fixture, which would include northern and southern conferences to reduce travel, to accommodate the needs of all the league's clubs.
"We will have flexibility with days, playing matches on either Saturday or Sunday or even night matches," he said.
"We are willing to be flexible to allow clubs to create those days for themselves."
The draw would also be subject to ground and facility approval.
"Draw will be made on practical considerations and on the admin side of things so we can get football out there," Ross said.
"There is still lots of work to do with facilities and local government authorities."
Clubs are already allowed to return to training with junior teams free to recommence full contact this week. Senior sides must wait for a state government decision before a return to contact training is allowed.
The Hampden and South West District leagues have cancelled their 2020 seasons due to issues surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
The Warrnambool and District and Mininera football netball leagues also meet this week to decide their next move.
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