In a heartening move towards a return to normality, AFL Riverina has released its planned season structure, which has the Farrer League beginning on April 10 and the Riverina League opening round on April 17.

The 18-round home-and-away seasons will have a general bye for the June long weekend. Traditional top-five finals series, over four weeks, will kick off on August 21 and August 28 respectively.

The Farrer League grand final is slated for September 11 (which should avoid a clash with the popular Ag Race Day in Wagga). The Riverina League showpiece is set to close out the season on September 18.

Clubs have been given the option to request their round one game be played over Easter (April 2-4) but it appears unlikely.

Wagga Tigers and Turvey Park introduced a Good Friday game in 2019 and were to kick off the 2020 season on the first day of the Easter weekend. However, next year, it would meaning playing two weeks before round one for Riverina League clubs.

After the disruption of this year, AFL Riverina is not planning for representative football or netball (the Farrer League had no representative games planned for 2020 either).

"At the stage, we do not envisage for any representative football or netball to be played next season. Our primary focus will be delivering the home and away seasons for all AFL Riverina competitions," AFL Riverina operations coordinator Tom Walker said.

Anzac Day falls on a Sunday in 2021. Clubs can request games on the day provided an opposition club is in agreement.

The Wagga and District Juniors season is due to start on that Sunday, April 25, however it will require further discussion given the need to avoid morning activites on the national day of remembrance.

AFL Riverina hopes to have the draws finalised by Christmas after seeking draw requests from clubs.