The coronavirus pandemic loomed large and Victorian Premier Dan Andrews' announcement hours later, which re-introduced stage three restrictions regionally and put an end to community sport for potentially six weeks or more, justified the players' mindset.

There will be no complete winter seasons across the region; some sports managed three or four matches, others failed to get on the park at all.

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Deep down most knew it would be difficult to complete a competition but those games, in a period where people are restricted in their everyday movements, injected enjoyment into countless lives.

Those who did play, albeit in a reduced capacity, were grateful for the opportunity.

It's why it was important to try.

AFL Western District operations manager Matt Ross said the "easiest option" from the outset would have been to cancel all competitions.

"I am proud that everyone who wanted to play a game gave it a red-hot crack," he said.

He believes even though it was "stop-start" people were "grateful to train and play, especially juniors".

Some players, such as top-age juniors, got a chance to play with their friends one last time.

It ensured children and teenagers could enjoy a laugh without a screen between them, it encouraged physical exercise and commitment to a common cause.

Terang Mortlake under 18 female football coach Alison Kenna, who took on the job this season, summed up the situation perfectly.

"We had girls jumping out of their skins to play and were happy to play on," she said after the Bloods' win against Hamilton Kangaroos on Sunday.

"They were really, really excited and grateful of everyone being supportive of them because it's certainly strange times and they're aware it's likely it may be the only game they get to play at this point."

Many sporting bodies in the south-west fell victim to the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.

Senior competitions, including football, netball, hockey, basketball and soccer, failed to get off the ground.

Some made the decision to cancel while for others it was forced upon them when new state government mandates came in last month and halted sport for those aged 18 and over.

Focus turned to junior sport and giving young people a physical and mental outlet during an uncertain time.

It hit hurdles too and some competitions were off before they began.

But those which did start, even for a brief period, including junior netball, football, soccer and hockey gave participants something to strive for and enjoy.

Surely those happy moments outweighed the sense of inevitability that it would end sooner than hoped?

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