AFL HCC made the announcement on Friday following a board meeting the night before with the first of 12 rounds locked in for July 18, followed by a two-week finals series and culminating in the decider at Tuggerah on October 17.

The green light for abbreviated 2020 seasons, which feature both the men's and women's Black Diamond Cup, comes after this week's call by the NSW government to allow the return of community sport from next month on the back of eased coronavirus restrictions.

"If someone had of said, two or three months ago, we'd be playing a 12-week season with finals you'd take it," AFL NSW-ACT northern regional manager Simon Smyth said.

"I think everybody is just going to be happy to play footy again."

City mentor Tim Cotter said there was some "nervousness" but "the committee is working through the logistics and finances to make it work and the playing group is focused on being ready to roll." The Blues may even have a "couple of intra club hit-outs" prior to the campaign opener.

Terrigal Avoca's Chris Bishop said the Panthers were "excited" but "we're still waiting on a lot of information from the league regarding the draw, costing and venues."

Maitland's Ben Stewart described 12 rounds as "a good chunk of season".

Semis will be knockout with first versus fourth and second versus third.

Clubs now have a fortnight to nominate teams across the five grades - three for men and two for women.

AFL HCC board chair David Flynn said "AFL is about more than the scoreboard and we recognise our role in helping our community return to a level or normality following unprecedented disruption."

Seniors basically mirror the AFL HCC junior competitions timeline, which was revealed last week. Age groups have an 11-round season from July 19 and wrap up October 18.

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