An increasing threat of COVID-19 throughout the state forced Cup power-brokers to pull the pin on the competition, ridding the region of the most special part of a title race.

"Growing up as little kids, you play finals footy," Staniforth said.

"This has left clubs feeling pretty hallow and definitely surprised a few people.

"Cowra had a really good season... it was one of the better years I've seen them have since coming out here. This wasn't their decision, but it definitely surprised a few of us."

The shock didn't solely come from the decision to abandon the competition, but the immediate ruling to hand the leading sides the trophies.

"Clubs might have taken a different angle during the season if they knew that was going to happen," he said.

"Clubs like Forbes and Bathurst, I feel their pain. It's a hard way to finish the season, really."

And it's not as if the men in green were left reeling as a club... both the second and third grade squads were awarded premierships after the decision was made, but even those titles didn't feel as they should.

"The beauty of winning a competition is playing through that finals series," he said.

"You do it from under-6s to the World Cup."

But again, Staniforth wanted to make it clear... he doesn't want to discredit what Cowra has done.

"They had a cracking year, and I want to push that message across," he said.

For and against was ultimately the deciding factor behind who took out the competition, which would naturally make Emus think twice about how they managed games in which they held heavy leads.

In matches where they held heavy leads in the second-half, Emus would start to think about player development, rolling out a host of second and third grade players. While this bodes well for player progression, it obviously hurts their point-scoring ability in those fixtures.

Staniforth isn't sure if he'll return to the paddock in 2022, but is certain something should change next winter.

The sharp shooter would like to see a couple of clubs promoted from the New Holland Agriculture Cup to the top-tier, allowing the season structure to remain at three rounds with more opponents.

"Two rounds is too short," he said.

"I'd love if they could take two teams from that middle tier and make it an eight-team competition... that would be perfect."

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