It felt just like the good ole days at Gumly Oval on Thursday. Sort of. Almost.
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East Wagga-Kooringal returned to training for the first time in months amid some hope of a season from July.
"It was a nice change to be honest. It was good to catch up with all the boys," Hawks coach Matt Hard said,
"We lost a bit of connection over the last six to eight weeks and it was good to see them all again and see smiling faces."
Yes, it was training under the new coronavirus protocols. Yes, they were in small, separated groups of 10.
But it was both a reminder of how we used to be, and a small step towards what we hope might return.
"It's going to be a lot more difficult (training this way), there's no doubt about that," Hard said.
"But it was more about getting out there, having a run around. They were enthusiastic and it was just good to get everyone back together. Whatever happens, I think we'll benefit from it.
"We'll go again next week and keep going until we're advised otherwise."
The Hawks are among numerous AFL Riverina clubs to get back on the track. Enthusiasm is what the AFL wants, while lobbying for changes that will allow a viable shortened season.
Crowds are the biggest factor, including canteens and bars. The opportunity to earn an income, as well as bring communities together to socialise, are key criteria for clubs weighing it all up.
"It's going to be difficult and we're going to face a lot of challenges to get a go-ahead - there's a lot of boxes to tick," Hard said.
"You've got to remain hopeful... seeing all the boys smiling and happy, and the banter there, it makes you say well, yeah, we do want to get going. That's what we play country footy for. So if we can get half a year in, we'd be happy to be involved. It would be great... but it's got to be feasible, and not too much work for volunteers."
The positive is that restrictions are easing almost every day. The caveat is most clubs don't want to live in eternal hope. Many think mid-June is the cut-off to make a call.
Compounding concern is almost all local AFL NSW-ACT staff remain stood down. The sole representative in southern NSW, stretching to Broken Hill, is now part-time regional manager Marc Geppert.
AFL NSW-ACT's acting chief executive Tiffany Robertson declined to provide a staff update. The stand-down situation is expected to extend through to September, but some resources might be committed if leagues return.
AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said it's a tough environment for all in football but is confident they can handle a return to competition.
"Yes, AFL Riverina will be responsible. If we can establish a start date, then we can work through what's needed. We'll be able to get things off the ground. We might have to change how we do some things but we'll have volunteers who can step up to the plate," Irons said.
"The AFL is doing a lot of hard work behind the scenes with the Office of Sport and I've got confidence that they're working hard for the best outcomes for clubs."
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