“Our clubs are committed to working together to develop a strategy that will allow juniors to get back on the park and continue to play the game they love as soon as it's safe to do so.

"Before that occurs, though, we'll need to focus on a number of important issues for our clubs such as ground availability, how games and training can comply with social distancing and the ability of our junior players that play multiple sports or have study commitments later in the year to play a season that extends beyond its normal length.

“But, as I said, everyone is committed to doing all they can to ensure that we can deliver a 2020 season to our junior players.

“Senior men's football is a little more complicated. Clubs rely on matchday revenue and gate takings to survive and though the situation remains very fluid, it's looking increasingly unlikely that we'll be able to stage games with fans in attendance in the near future.

"Our clubs receive amazing support from volunteers, but still have operational costs that have to be met to keep the lights on and players on the pitch and we have to be careful not to ask too much of our volunteers during this risky and uncertain time.

"Many are in the older more at risk age bracket. 

“Furthermore, with the nature of COVID-19 so uncertain, it's impossible to know if a potential second wave could force everyone to once again shut everything down. 

“At this time, it's the united position of our members that the resumption and conclusion of the 2020 senior men's NPL competition isn't financially viable.

"To take place, it will at least need some level of assistance from FV or the FFA, including measures which will alleviate the financial and compliance burden on our clubs. While it's in the DNA of our clubs to get out on the pitch, their feeling at the moment is it's looking too difficult this year.

“But the situation remains very fluid and we're looking forward to working with FV and FFA to see the plans and possible scenarios which might be available and then decide how we proceed from here to reach an outcome that works for everyone. 

“We're not sure what the plans are for senior women's football in 2020, but once we find out from FV what they are we'll work with our clubs to determine their views and those of their players on staging a season.

"If our players are keen, we'll work with FV to ensure that a season can be staged."