Both the Riverina and Farrer League competitions are suspended until May 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hard, like the rest of the football community, is unsure of the prospects of a 2020 season going ahead but lives in hope that it will in some format.

"I remain hopeful. We've got to read the news and see what's happening in the world, but all we can do at this stage is remain hopeful," Hard said.

Hard is in his third season at Gumly Oval and has the Hawks well positioned for a tilt at the flag after going down to North Wagga in last year's grand final.

It was a busy off-season at the Hawks, which saw them welcome in the likes of Nick Ryan, Alex Rogers, Tim Smith, Dan McCarthy and Nathan Scott.

While hopeful of getting a season in, Hard believes any competition would need a minimum of one full round of games to be worthwhile.

"I think at a minimum we have to have one full round. At an absolute minimum, obviously with a final series," Hard said.

"That's at an absolute minimum. If we can't get that in then we're probably wasting our time."

Hard is open to continuing the season past the tradition mid-September finish but believes the end-date has to be realistic.

"How long we go for? I don't know. The AFL are saying play up until in December. That definitely wouldn't work around here," he said.

"I think (extending the season) is the only way you can do it if you're starting in July but I think October would be your maximum.

Hard does however believe the unique nature of the 2020 season would allow for both competitions to experiment with the draw.

"I think we have to think a little bit outside the square with the draw a little bit," he said.

"Can you get a couple of games in in the space of five days? I don't know, just little things like that with the draw maybe."

A premiership coach at both Northern Jets and Coolamon, Hard said the current climate is one of the most difficult he has encountered.

'It's been extremely tough. I'd like to we're a close group and you're hellbent on keeping that connection but if you can't see each other, geez it's hard to do," he said.

"We've all got full-time jobs, we all keep busy and trying to get connection with the players is the hardest thing, and trying to sell them a bit of hope is also hard because no one knows what is going on.

"We're all trying to stay on the same page, the boys are trying to maintain a fitness level in the hope we can get some footy in this year but everyone's just got to try and stay positive.

"My method of thinking is that we prepare ourselves until we're told otherwise, that's what we'll do."

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