With the shortened season and the reduced amount of teams taking part in the season the decision was made not to have an award in 2020.

"It was considered and as it is less than half the season and all clubs weren't able to participate it was decided to put it on hold for this year," operations manager Bob Hay said.

Best on ground medals for next Sunday's grand final will still be awarded.

However restrictions prevent the usual presentations.

Reigning Weissel Medal winner James Luff, who is looking to become just the second person to win more than two best and fairest nods, was shocked by the decision.

"I think it is a shame," Luff said. "It doesn't matter if it was a shortened season there were blokes out there ripping in every week.

"For a young bloke like Dylan McLachlan it would be a massive confidence boost for him to win a Weissel Medal after going so close last year and he played a lot of good football this year.

"The likes of Zac Masters played a good style of footy this year as well and I think it is a just reward for an individual for a good season.

"It's a shame."

However the referees have still been voting as normal each week.

Luff didn't believe the shortened season should have come into the decision, especially considering the strength of the remaining clubs this season.

"You can only play what you are up against and if you have individuals standing out and week-in, week-out they are the best on the field I think they need to be rewarded for it.

"It is ridiculous."

Luff's main focus is helping Gundagai to another premiership.

They've already booked their place and star hooker knows whoever comes out on top in next week's decider will have well and truly earned it.

"The Group Nine competition this year is the strongest I've seen," Luff said.

"We've been a dominant team for the last 10 years and this year has been one of the hardest I've played in since coming back in 2014.

"We weren't putting teams to bed as a lot of teams put in a bit of money and had their teams going in the right direction."

Group Nine are still finalising details for their COVID safe grand final plan.

Tickets are expected to go on sale on Monday after all the teams are set.

Both all grand finals next week and the preliminary finals at Anzac Park on Sunday will also be live streamed.

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