'We were aware this might happen': Ballarat Football Netball League planning for games to go ahead amid COVID-19 threat

As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 24 active cases statewide, detected first in Melbourne's northern suburbs, leaving regional Victoria largely spared of any new restrictions.

However, three of the BFNL's clubs are situated in the Greater Melbourne area, subject to a 30-person limit on public gatherings and a requirement to wear a face mask at all times indoors.

READ MORE: Potential COVID-19 case at Ballarat Base Hospital 'under investigation'

BFNL general manager Shane Anwyl said the league had been wary an outbreak might occur during the season.

"Unfortunately, we were aware that this might happen, and that's the case," Anwyl told The Courier.

"It's all as normal for now until we receive advice otherwise.

"We're seeking clarification, particularly around Sunbury, Melton and Melton South - those clubs being closer to metropolitan Melbourne - and we'll put plans in place if anything comes from that.

"But, at this stage, everything is as normal."

Sunbury is scheduled to host Sebastopol this weekend after a delay in works at Marty Busch Reserve saw the game moved down the highway at the last minute.

Melton South travels to Darley, and while Greater Melbourne residents can freely visit regional Victoria, their "restrictions travel with them".

Anwyl said the league had planned for any potential COVID disruptions.

"We've got a number of contingency plans available to us that we can put in place should there be a halt in any games or any change of circumstances," he said.

"We've got some options available to us around delaying games or transferring them to the Queen's Birthday weekend, where we have no competition planned.

"We've got a little bit up our sleeve to be able to have some flexibility."

As of Wednesday afternoon, the state government has not imposed any restrictions on community sport.

The Essendon District Football League has been thrown in turmoil after a Moonee Valley thirds player tested positive to COVID-19.

The player, a work colleague of a positive case, participated in a match and entered the change rooms and the clubrooms for a function after the game.

AFL Victoria has recommended clubs adopt updated training protocols in response to the new outbreak.

All players and officials travelling to regional Victoria from Greater Melbourne abide by all restrictions, including wearing a mask at all times indoors.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Public gatherings are capped at 30 people, with a get in, get out approach recommended for training.

Only essential staff are to be in attendance at sessions, while parents are asked to drop off and pick up children and not gather beyond groups of 30.

Social distancing is to be maintained at all times when not participating.

AFL Victoria has the power to implement any restrictions on training and match-days - including whether they go ahead.

"This is a reminder to be vigilant and follow all the protocols," Anwyl said.

"With some planning in place, we should be able to get through this with minimal disruption, hopefully."

"We want to reassure everyone that we will be doing everything we can to make sure football and netball continue in a normal vein because it is important for all of us, and we will definitely be having competitions."