For what feels like the umpteenth time, a glimmer of freedom — and the return of sport across the region — has been quickly blocked out by yet another coronavirus-enforced lockdown.
The state entered its sixth lockdown at 8pm on Thursday, scuppering community sporting leagues and associations yet again in the process.
For the Goulburn Valley, Kyabram District, Murray and Picola District football and netball leagues especially, another seven-day — at this stage — snap lockdown puts even more strain on the fixtures, which have already had to be flexible and agile.
With available weekends running out faster than they can appear on the calendar, serious discussions will again have to be had about the structure of the respective seasons once play is again allowed.
But for now, players, supporters, officials, fans and onlookers will hunker down to quash another COVID-19 outbreak and turn their sporting attention to our exports on the national and international stage.
Other winter sporting competitions are also approaching finals-time, and will likewise have to adjust draws and expectations when lockdown six ends.
The mental and emotional fatigue of coming in and out of lockdown restrictions is starting to wear thin everywhere in the region.
● Send through your stories and photos of how you are getting your sporting fix in isolation to sport@sheppnews.com.au to be featured in The News next week.
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