The draw was originally released in November as an 18-round season as part of a rolling three-year fixture that saw each club play each other the same amount of times. 

The past two seasons featured 16 rounds, and some clubs are concerned about the extra workload for volunteers and players in an 18-round season. 

Added to that remains the possibility of the Southern Mallee Giants switching to the Wimmera Football League before the season starts, which would bring a new set of changes to the draw. 

Horsham district league chairman Graeme King said he would like to see the shape of the 2018 season take place quite quickly. 

“We haven’t decided on what we will do with the draw, until the Giants’ decision officially happens there is no point trying to predict what will happen,” he said.

“We would like it done sooner rather than later.

“Obviously the later it gets the tighter the time frames get for clubs to organise things.”

The Giants have until the end of this week to make a decision on where they would like to play football this season after AFL Wimmera-Mallee posed the opportunity to the club for them to play in the Wimmera league. 

The Giants have been undefeated in their two seasons in the district league with concerns surrounding the unevenness of the competition between the top and bottom teams.

Pimpinio president Danny Hamerston said he would like to see the final fixture released as soon as possible.

“We would definitely like the fixture by late January,” he said.

“We need to touch base with our volunteer base to help the club run and that’s already started. Locking dates in is pretty important for most people so they know their obligations to the club.”

Edenhope-Apsley president Carolyn Middleton would also like to see the fixture organised soon.

“The draw could be very different by the time it comes out but we would like to know the final fixture as soon as possible,” she said.

Natimuk United president Adam Blake said uncertainty surrounding the fixture was causing delays in his club’s preparation for the season ahead.

“The deliberating on the draw and not having the final draw has affected our ability to print material and for our sponsorship organisation,” he said.

“We don’t feel as strongly about 16 rounds as some of the other clubs – we are happy to go 16 or 18.”

With the Giants potentially leaving the league, there would be 11 teams competing in the district league meaning a club would have a bye each week. 

“We’ve had uneven numbers before, so you have byes,” Mr King said.

“There is no other way to deal with it – one team each week wouldn’t play.”

Kalkee president Trevor McRae said having extra byes could be a positive for clubs so volunteers and players can have a rest during the season.