Major football codes could be back in action in a matter of weeks and this risks setting dangerous community expectations. Even without roaring crowds.

Such a return needs stronger leadership.

It is exciting to have a slight easing in lockdown restrictions in Victoria this week. Many golfers about the region could hardly grab their clubs and safely tee off quick enough on Wednesday morning - and rightfully so.

We all should know that no sport is going to play out like before COVID-19, at least for the long term.

This is particularly concerning as grassroots sports and communities grapple with what is possible under restrictions.

Regional Sport Victoria chairman Felicity Williams this week said country-based clubs are saying while they miss their sport, they only want a return when health experts deem it safe to do so.

Ms Williams said club volunteers were prepared to do what they could for their sport and community but early talks had made clear this was not to be above community health.

There are so many complexities that come into play, notably finance and insurance, for bringing contact sports like football back.

For anyone looking at AFL, ultimately it is hard to get past if them, why not us?

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Sport at all levels has an important opportunity to lead the way in shaping and rebuilding our communities as we continue to navigate our way out of this pandemic.

Ballarat clubs have already done vital work in this by engaging members, checking in on teammates and modifying fitness sessions.

Sport is an incredible tool in education on major social and cultural issues, in our community clubs and at the highest levels.

But it is harder when we are told one thing and our heroes are doing another.

Victorian Football League, too, is in limbo after an AFL ruling no AFL-listed players could line-up in state league competition.

Former AFL players Michael Barlow and Wayne Schwass have both voiced their fears for the human toll an AFL return right now might take. Veteran and fringe players - unable to play state competition - and the numerous teams of behind the scenes staff who do not survive a cut-throat industry keen to get play back on the field and assume some sense of normalcy.

All clubs and leagues are a business. Regional clubs have been using their suspension in play differently whether it be in up-skilling volunteers or working on strategic plans or just finding ways to make their game better.

The AFL could show more leadership and take time to plot their return right while so much still hangs in the balance health-wise with varying restrictions across borders.

This is a time to get priorities right. This is a time for a clear, strong and unified approach back to sport.

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