AFL Wimmera Mallee postpones start of Wimmera league and Horsham District league

In a statement released on Tuesday afternoon, AFL Victoria announced all AFL and AFL State association managed or operated leagues currently operating or set to begin, will be postponed.

AFL Wimmera-Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon said the decision extended to netball in the Horsham District Football Netball League, and hoped the Wimmera Netball Association would follow the guidelines.

The Wimmera Netball Association governs the Wimmera league's netball competition and has been contacted for comment.

"(The) AFL was working on a question and answer sheet which they are still working on. We felt the general public needed to know now because of training.. there is still more to be addressed," he said.

AFL Wimmera Mallee encouraged all clubs to cancel training sessions immediately.

Leagues will be in contact with clubs about revised draws.

"We are a game, but we are not the main game," the AFL statement read.

"The main game is looking after the community and that is the clear priority for everyone at the moment. For football families like all families.

It is paramount that support and engagement in community football continues during these times. It is vital players, coaches, administrators, supporters, sponsors, volunteers and kids retain close links to their local clubs, Auskick Centres and wider league network.

EARLIER: Football-netball clubs around the region have begun to cancel training sessions, as uncertainty lingers around the 2020 season.

Clubs, backed by governing organisations, have encouraged players to take measures against the spread of the coronavirus.

You can catch up on Tuesday's developments here.

We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.