In its "COVID functional framework", AFL Victoria states clubs must be granted a minimum seven-day training period before the season restarts if four-to-six consecutive rounds have been abandoned.

If one-to-three consecutive rounds have been abandoned, then the season may recommence at the next scheduled round at the discretion of the league.

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Leagues aligned with AFL Victoria, such as the CHFL and BFNL, must follow the governing body's guidelines.

Independent leagues are ultimately responsible for determining the approach they want to take.

There is still no indication as to when football and netball will be allowed to return.

As of Sunday afternoon, there were 70 active cases and more than 200 exposure sites statewide, with Victorians steeling themselves for an extended lockdown.

There was a week between junior and senior community sport returning after the fourth lockdown.

There was also a week between restrictions easing in regional Victoria and Melbourne, affecting player movements in the CHFL and whole clubs in the BFNL.

Despite a three-week break in the seasons due to the last lockdown, both leagues were spared of having to introduce a mandatory training period.

Only two rounds were abandoned, with the Queens Birthday long weekend already a scheduled break in the seasons.

With four rounds in the CHFL remaining, and five in the BFNL, the race is on to finish the home-and-away season before the scheduled finals series.

AFL Victoria has said leagues can reschedule finals matches, including grand finals, at their own discretion. Whether rescheduling is possible rests with ground availability and the transition to the cricket season.

If time does not permit a finals game to be rescheduled, AFL Victoria ruled that the team with a higher ladder position at the end of the home-and-away season shall be deemed the winner.

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