In a statement sent out following the league's decision to abandon the junior season, Ryan said that there was "no illusions that a return to matches may be very difficult in 2021".

"...significant work will need to be undertaken for all member clubs to be in a position to return to competition," she said.

"The Bendigo Bank & Rural Bank CHFL board are committed to working with all clubs to achieve this aim wherever possible.

"It now will become the focus of the league board to work with AFL Victoria and all the member clubs of the league to strive towards how a return to matches for all members of clubs can occur in 2021."

After abandoning the seniors and reserves seasons due to COVID-19 in late June, the CHFL made it through four rounds of junior competition before Sunday's announcement that stage three restrictions would be returning to Victoria. This led to the CHFL calling an end to the entire 2020 campaign.

In the statement, Ryan said as of Tuesday evening no further training at clubs would be able to occur.

"These restrictions will be in place until at least the 13th September 2020 and as was experienced in the previous period when stage three restrictions were in place, the return to training and subsequently matches was in a phased manner over a period of weeks," she said.

"So it is not feasible to attempt to get back to matches or any playoff matches at the end of the planned nine-week season."

Ryan paid tribute to those that helped get a season up and running.

"This has been able to occur due to the enormous effort by many club volunteers, parents and umpires and it has been very clear that through the numbers who wished to participate that being able to get at least four rounds of football to occur has been of significant benefit both physically and mentally to these young people who have played," she said.

The Central Highlands Netball League cancelled all divisions of juniors and seniors without a game being played in 2020.