The Farrer League is almost certain to miss out on representative football and netball this season with hopes for a game against the South Coast falling through.
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While the Riverina League is set for a re-match with AFL Canberra at Robertson Oval, plans for a double-header involving the Farrer League are almost certain to be shelved.
"It's not 100 per cent confirmed but it's highly unlikely that we'll be playing this year," Farrer League president David Oehm said.
"The South Coast are locked in to play the Hunter Valley (Black Diamond League) because they played each other last year and they owe them a game. And none of the Victorian leagues want to, they've pulled out."
Oehm said he and the competition management committee have always been strong supporters of rep football but said it's getting harder each year to get the full support of clubs and players.
But the league doesn't want to give up on the concept and hopes that if they sit his year out, it fires interest to bring it back in 2021.
"During this year, we'll try to tee something up for next year... talking to the South Coast might open up an avenue, but we'll gauge the interest from clubs," he said.
The 2020 draw has a general bye scheduled for May 19 but the league may bring rounds six and seven forward a week and instead take the bye on the June long weekend (June 6).
Oehm is entering his ninth and final season as president. He remains as passionate about the Farrer League as ever.
"I'm very happy with how the league's going," he said.
"The competitiveness is there, and pretty well every club is striving to play finals, where a few years ago, we had probably five clubs that dominated finals.
"Being realistic, I think the standard, while we've remained constant the last few years, I don't think we're reaching great heights. But we're still providing football for country towns and villages where football is the entertainment in the winter months.
"It gives people a place to get together and in trying times like these, winning a game is secondary to having a team to support and getting together. That's why we operate."
Oehm has had more than 40 years involvement in football, including as long-serving secretary at The Rock-Yerong Creek as well as team manager for Farrer League and NSW representative teams. He intends to stay on the league committee when he steps down as president at the end of the season.
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