The competition will instead restart with its scheduled finals series on August 28, should state government advice allow.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Despite regional Victoria now being free from restrictions, Melbourne's lockdown directly affects three of the league's club and countless metropolitan-based players.

After Melbourne's lockdown was extended until at least midnight on Thursday, August 19, it was decided it would not be feasible for the final round of the home-and-away season to proceed.

"There was a lot of uncertainty going day-to-day, week-to-week, so we thought we would provide a bit of certainty for clubs and cancel the final round," BFNL general manager Shane Anwyl told The Courier.

"We're a league that crosses the metropolitan-regional divide. We have to cater for all circumstances and where we sit in the moment is that our metropolitan clubs (Melton, Sunbury and Melton South) are in a position where they can't compete through no fault of their own."

"We won't disadvantage them and we'll do everything to make sure that those clubs that qualified for finals and have earned the right to play in finals actually get that opportunity."

This weekend's BFLW and junior competitions will proceed as planned this weekend.

The other senior seasons will end with each side having played each other once and current ladder positions will stand.

It means North Ballarat will secure the minor premiership, ahead of Melton, who bags the other double chance spot.

Reigning premier East Point will finish third and last season's runner-up Sebastopol, fourth.

Ballarat will play finals for the first time in seven years after securing fifth place, with Sunbury joining the Swans..

The season's premature end hasn't brought good news for all clubs though.

Bacchus Marsh's season is over despite sitting in the top six for nine of the 11 rounds. A loss to Melton in the final game before lockdown saw the Cobras sink from third to seventh.

Redan was another side to bow out in what ended up being the final game of the season. A 79-point loss to East Point saw the Lions slip from sixth to eighth.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.