BFNL general manager Shane Anwyl said developments in AFL Barwon would not influence the BFNL's decision process.

The Geelong league on Tuesday became the first major country competition to abandon the 2020 season due to impacts from COVID-19.

It was one of four football leagues under the AFL Barwon umbrella to put a line through the year.

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"It doesn't change anything that we are doing, we will still go ahead with the plan we've got in place to wait for the next government announcement on the 22nd," Anwyl said.

"We will then consult with clubs and make a decision by no later than June 26."

The GFL's decision came as no surprise to Anwyl, who said a competition would have put immense strain on league officials.

He said managing health protocols would be the biggest challenge if the BFNL gets up and running.

"I expect on game day, clubs would have to put aside 40 to 50 man hours just to monitor everything," he said.

Anwyl said that if the season goes ahead, there would likely be opportunities for Geelong players to play in the BFNL.

He said the threat of losing players to other clubs was something all leagues were wary of.

"That's one of the factors driving our decision to hold off until we have a full picture, and know what our surrounding leagues are doing," he said.