Hampden league club errs on side of caution, cancel training sessions amid COVID-19 concerns

Portland president Troy Bannam said the Tigers suspended training on Tuesday and Wednesday nights as it awaited more information.

The club stressed no one at the club had tested positive to coronavirus or been deemed a possible close contact.

"I suppose with the active cases in town, we just wanted to err on the side of caution," he told The Standard.

"Like anyone, we don't want to be the source if something was to break-out.

"Until we find out what exactly is going on, we thought it was safer to postpone for now."

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Portland expects to make a further announcement to its players and fans on Wednesday night.

The Tigers host South Warrnambool at Hanlon Park in the Hampden league competition on Saturday.

"We'd like to think we can (keep playing) but we have to take it day-by-day," Bannam said.

"A lot of effort has gone into getting it back started again by everyone.

"But at the end of the day, it's the general public, and Portland and the footy club that we have to worry about as well."

Bannam said the Tigers had learned from their round one match when they hosted North Warrnambool Eagles.

"I think everyone was pretty keen to watch the footy so we had lots of people coming down," he said.

"We probably have to police it (social distancing) a bit more which does make it tough because we're all just volunteers, so to walk around telling people what to do makes it a bit difficult for everyone.

"Being the first game there was always going to be some teething issues but hopefully we learn from that and be better for next time."

Bannam said Portland "out of respect we'd have to let South know as early as possible" if it was to withdraw from this weekend's round.

"We're hoping, like everyone, the cases start going down," he said.

"It is fear of the unknown and we just want to do the right thing.

"If we get another outbreak or a few extra cases in the next day or two, it's going to make it more difficult but if it levels out..."

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