THE AFL continues to work towards the return of community footy, with CEO Gillon McLachlan saying there remains an appetite from both the League and the federal government to see the game played at a local level at some stage this year.
While plans for the resumption of footy at the AFL level were confirmed on Friday, an AFL Victoria memo on Saturday revealed it was endorsing a return to training from May 25.
LATEST NEWS All your COVID-19 updates here
It said the return to train protocols for community football in Victoria would include "training to resume in groups of 10 people" which "does not include a coach or the minimum number of support staff".
It also states that the groups of 10 "can utilise the same oval, provided they do not operate closely together ... and the oval is split into two zones".
Speaking on Saturday, McLachlan said the League was still working with relevant state and federal governments to ensure that community football could be played again in some form later this year.
"If everyone keeps doing their bit – and I'll do my plug here for the COVIDSafe App – and we keep transmission at a manageable level, I've got a level of optimism in community footy," McLachlan told Fox Footy.
"There will be some sort, whether it'll be just for kids or whatever. I know the government wants to do that. It's a bit back to all of us about how we stick to the rules. If we've got an environment where everyone feels we can do that, we'll do it.
FOOTY'S BACK AFL confirms return date
"We're obviously working with governments and from the federal government down, they want a level where our kids are playing sport.
"Whether we can do it or not is another thing, but there's certainly an appetite and we're working with all of the appropriate authorities to see if we can."
All local and state league competitions were officially suspended in March.
Despite training bans being lifted, extreme doubt lingers if any senior leagues will stage games in 2020.
Country and suburban leagues and clubs have made it clear it would be financially impossible to operate if crowds are barred.
The Northern Territory will allow crowds at competitive sport from June 5, but most states have conceded it is likely fans will be locked out of games until at least late in the year.
Without gate takings, as well as revenue from food and drink sales, most clubs would run at a significant loss if games went ahead.
In Western Australia, community football training will be allowed from May 18 under "set conditions and protocols".
South Australian clubs will be able to resume on Monday in groups of 10.