The Northern Country Women's League (NCWL) officially cancelled its 2020 season on Tuesday night after failing to gain support from the league's clubs to go forward.
“This decision followed the survey results that were returned by club representatives in the previous week,” chairman Chris Thomas said.
“The survey showed that of the eight clubs, there were only three that were confident that they would be able to provide enough players to form a team, which was not enough to make a viable or workable competition.”
Thomas said the uncertainty around restrictions and protocols had also contributed to the decision.
Echuca women's coach Damian Dalziel said it was a bitter blow for the club.
“It's really disappointing,” he said.
“We've been back at training for about a month now. When the survey came out most of the girls really wanted to play, so it's a really unfortunate outcome.
“The lack of crowds and gate takings wasn't going to have the same impact on us that it would on other competitions, so we believed it would have worked in our favour.”
Dalziel, who took over as coach at the end of last year, said the club was looking to be in a strong position for the season.
“We played really well in our only practice match,” he said.
“We'd set ourselves up really well for this season. The group was fit, they were still working towards the season and felt like they were a really good chance to have a great season.”
First-time senior coach Dalziel has already expressed a desire to return to the role next season.
“I want to go for it again,” he said.
“It's been great working with this team. They're a fantastic group of players.
“Hopefully in the next few months we will catch up a few times and keep the group together so we can be ready to go for next year.”