AFL Wimmera-Mallee area manager Jason Muldoon said clubs were likely to be strained financially as the season was postponed until May 31.

Mr Muldoon said the majority of clubs' income would be derailed by the postponement and social distancing measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The ability to raise money in 2020 is going to be severely hampered," he said.

"Outside of a few clubs that might invest in livestock or land, gate takings, social functions, sponsorship, canteen and raffles would be the main source of income for the majority of teams."

Mr Muldoon and AFL Victoria encouraged clubs to begin having "robust discussions" with players about potential payment when - or if - the season returns.

"We could return to play on the 6^th of June, and the season can go for 11 or 13 weeks plus finals, or maybe ... there is no football in 2020 at all," he said.

"Those are the conversations that clubs need to be having with their players.

"It's incumbent on clubs to put it back on the players. Is there an opportunity where they can help their club out by not seeking financial compensation for the 2020 season?

"We encourage clubs to be upfront and start those conversations now."

Minyip-Murtoa president Scott Arnold said the club had not yet formally discussed payment options, but said players were paid per game, which would likely simplify the issue.

"The situation is fluid, so we have to be fluid going forward. I think in terms of (payments), hopefully every club has their books sorted and are in a good position," he said.

"I think if we get footy back this season, I'd like to think there would also be a fair bit of flexibility allowed as everyone gets back on their feet."

Mr Muldoon warned there were likely going to be significant long-term effects of the coronavirus.

"It's not going to be an easy fix," he said. "It's going to have long-term effects on clubs, leagues, AFL Wimmera-Mallee and the AFL."

Great Western's football operations manager Matt Delzotto said the club had a responsibility to take recommendations seriously.

"In the country, football netball clubs are pillars of the community," he said.

"If you have a club that is taking the virus as serious as what it is, putting measures in place to make sure standards are being followed - it shows this is not a laughing matter.

"Everyone needs to be on board with that to hopefully stop the spread and start getting back to normality."