Supporters could be locked out of 2020 NTFA games to get season underway

The game across Australia has been shutdown until at least that AFL set deadline.

But fears have grown over the uncertainty of the season getting off the ground just a month into partial lockdown.

A report has surfaced that many suburban and country leagues would rather sit out should financial constraints prove too much for clubs and their number of volunteers.

But NTFA president Scott Rigby said his 19 clubs are not sitting on their hands, exploring whether matches could be played in isolation.

"It's something we have talked about and discussed at great length, so obviously we're still working through that," Rigby said.

"We've started a financial impact body of work about three or four weeks ago.

"We're working with every club and they are all getting back to us, so hopefully in the next few weeks we'll have a clear direction about the impact it will have on that."

The AFL is looking to play games inside empty venues to guarantee collecting its TV revenue worth $418 million.

But the biggest stream of cash flow for NTFA clubs to run games are gate takings with food and beer sales.

The thought of playing out the year without involvement from the community also goes against the ethos of the NTFA that had made strides in recent seasons attracting more supporters to games.

"With all our community clubs, people going to games it is their livelihood," he said.

"Whatever decisions made at the big levels, we will do the right thing by our communities, but it might not be financially viable to play a game of footy for a club.

"That's very much got to be taken into account - the big if I suppose when footy gets back on the park this year.

"So we're working pretty close to the clubs and credit to them because they have responded very well and taken the responsibility upon themselves to look at that.

"We'll make a decision as a board as well as consulting with each and every club."

Rigby also said the NTFA would not put the players at risk should health concerns not dissipate entirely, which could dramatically change the look of the clubs' lineups.

The competition may not only have a reduced number of rounds given the time lost already, but could come about in a different format to the traditional home and away draw, plus finals.

Should government mass gatherings not be allowed to take place at the grounds, live streaming every match, propped up by loyal sponsors would be the next option.

"We can balance all that with just have a kick of the footy to how big do we have to make it," Rigby said.

"If we have to modify the competition, we'll look at all those different things."