The likelihood of AFL Victoria community competitions playing this season remains uncertain despite the imminent easing of COVID-19 related social distancing restrictions nationwide.
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While a three-step plan released by the Federal Government on Friday gave a green light for some sporting and recreational activities to return, the announcement did not reveal how contact sports such as Australian rules would fit into the process.
Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy again stressed that Australians needed to continue practising good social distancing "or we could lose this battle".
However, the first step, which will allow up to 10 people to gather in public outdoor places, will open the door for a number sports to either resume some form of competition or training.
Football, netball, soccer and other teams sports will have the abillity to create small training hubs once the Victorian Government puts the first step in place, but a return to full competition remains up in the air.
Premier Daniel Andrews will on Monday begin the introduction of elements of the opening phase.
Stage two will a month later provide another boost for sports, allowing gatherings of up to 20 people,
A third stage will permit gatherings of up to 100 people.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison indicated the best case scenario would have all three stages in place by the end of July, but the timeline was ultimately in the hands of each state and territory government.
Even if AFL Victoria football and netball competitions are able to start under stage three conditions, the restriction of having no more than 100 people in attendance will rule out opening up fixtures to crowds.
Daniel Andrews said nothing would change until at least Monday, emphasising that the existing restrictions remained in place until otherwise advised.
He said there was a need to remain patient during the process.
ACT chief minister Chief Minister Andrew Barr cautioned the public against physical contact between people taking part in sporting activities allowed in stage one.
