The Melbourne-based skipper said he has secured a permit which he believed might allow him to suit up for his side's clash with Napoleon-Sebastopol on Saturday. If permitted, it would mark his first taste of cricket since the 2019-20 BCA campaign.

Warrick, who took over the captaincy from Josh White during the off-season, has been unable to travel outside Melbourne's restricted zone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'm hopeful that I'll be available to play this weekend, fingers crossed it all goes to plan," he said.

If Warrick is unable to take the field this weekend, he won't have to wait long before he is able to. Earlier this week the state government announced its 'ring of steel' blocking off Melbourne from regional Victoria would be lifted on November 8.

The relaxed restrictions will allow BCA competitors located in restricted zones to attend matches again. Like Warrick, Darley coach Brian Wheelahan and Lions first grade player Rahmatullah Khwaja have also been unable to participate thus far.

Wheelahan said it was encouraging to finally have an end date on restrictions, saying he and Khwaja would be back by round four.

"We are wrapped, for everyone in the Victorian metropolitan area, it's a big relief. It hasn't been easy and I'm really grateful for the blokes around the club who have chipped in," he said