By Jack Morgan

In what could be a massive top of the table clash, two coaches from the Mid Gippsland League are driving plans that could see a Grand Final played no matter the time frame.

Hill End are in the top spot followed by Mirboo North in two, both with 10 wins out of 11 games. As many leagues call off the season entirely, both teams’ senior coaches are desperate to play on.

Hill End Coach Mike Santo said his seniors would be “happy to play anywhere at any time” despite the challenges that may arise from the late games.

“This is a big opportunity for the league.”

“We would be one of the only, if not the only footy league in Victoria to have a Grand Final,” Santo said.

Mirboo North Coach Josh Taylor said his seniors would play a Grand Final as late as December if made possible.

“We just want to get a result out of the season.

“We’ve been on and off with COVID and the blokes have been training hard for the last two years,” Taylor said.

Both coaches understand this would clash with the start of cricket season and many players may have other commitments later in the year.

Two weeks ago, the league decided the last date in which a grand final would be considered is October 2. This would be contingent on metro restrictions easing.

The league and its clubs will meet again before making a final decision on the 2021 season.

This year, six football and netball clubs from the Alberton League joined the Mid Gippsland League, making it the first year of a 13-club competition.

With restrictions easing from midnight tonight, community sport clubs will be able to hold training with 10 people outside.

This could mean clubs separate players into groups of 10, with a group at each end of the ground.

Hill End and Mirboo North hope to return to training as soon as possible.