The Camperdown export will return to Leura Oval after escalating coronavirus cases in Melbourne forced the cancellation of the Victorian Football League on Wednesday.

Mahony, who was commuting to training three times a week from Geelong, is back at his parents' property in the south-west.

The 18-year-old said the VFL season's demise was disappointing but flagged an intent to play for the Tigers again next season.

The competition was set to run with just eight teams - those not affiliated with AFL clubs - before metropolitan Melbourne was plunged back into stage three lockdown on Tuesday.

"It's obviously pretty frustrating after training for so long but after (Casey) pulled out you sort of knew it was coming from a couple of weeks out," Mahony told The Standard.

"When we had the final word you're disappointed and don't really know how to feel.

"I'd definitely like to play at this level for as long as I can and I'll go for it until I get told not to, pretty much."

Mahony said he was enjoying his spell with the Tigers and was adjusting to the standard of play.

"My first pre-season started off really tough up there," he said.

"Training three nights a week was a bit of a change from two and just the intensity.

"You really have to get yourself into good habits and be at that standard constantly."

The 192-centimetre utility said he frequently "picked the brains" of Werribee's experienced players and coaching staff.

The Tigers' mentor, Mark Williams, steered Port Adelaide to its maiden AFL grand final triumph in 2004.

Several former AFL players - including ruckman Matthew Lobbe, Michael Barlow, Connor Menadue and Daniel Nielson - are contracted to the club.

"There's plenty of guys you can go up and talk to just to pick their brain," Mahony said.

Fitness and skills are among Mahony's key areas of improvement.

He expected a stint back at Camperdown in the club's under 18.5 ranks would help his football in the VFL's coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

"Since I've been back at home I've been training up there and it's been good to see the boys again," Mahony revealed.

"It's going to be really good to play with them again for the first time in a couple of years.

"I'm just really excited to play with my mates and to help the club get some success."

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