Melbourne-based Lion unlikely to travel for Saturday's trip to Turvey Park

After being forced into isolation on New Year's Eve when a COVID outbreak hit and he was unable to cross the Victorian border in time, Mahon isn't prepared to take the risk for at least this weekend.

While Sydney's lockdown won't affect the Riverina League a great deal, Sydney-based Harry and Matt Collins will be unavailable for Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes' next two games, while Wagga Tigers forward Ryan Falkenberg is also based in Sydney.

"I'm doubtful for the near period, I don't think it's worth coming up. It's not a red zone but I might as well wait and see I think. At least this week, but I'll definitely speak to Sam (Martyn, coach) and reassess as we go," Mahon said.

"I got caught in NSW on holidays over New Year's when they ordered us to get back across the border with my girlfriend, so I had to isolate when I came back.

"I haven't spoken to Sam or the coaches yet, but I dare say I'll give it a miss unless there's some really good results (COVID situation) over the next few days.

"When I signed up, they weren't expecting me to play every game. I've played enough to qualify for finals already, which takes a bit of pressure off."

Mahon played in Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's home win over Narrandera on Saturday, just hours after Sydney's lockdown was announced, and went home immediately afterward to avoid any issues.

"I drove home straight after so I didn't get stuck over the border or anything like that," he said.

Meanwhile, Turvey Park coach Michael Mazzocchi confirmed their Melbourne-based player Matt Ness is comfortable travelling and will play against the Lions, provided he overcomes a cork which forced him off the field during last week's win at Coolamon.

Goannas coach Jeremy Rowe said they will welcome the Collins boys back into the side as soon as it's deemed safe.

"Clearly there's no chance at all that Harry or Matt Collins will be playing for us over the next two weekends," he said.

"We're here to follow the instructions of the experts and while they're unable to travel they won't be playing.

"We hope to have them back after a fortnight if things clear up and they're able to travel, but if not we'll listen to the experts."

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