Marrar coach Shane Lenon believes a winter without football could damage the game well beyond this year and has applauded AFL Riverina's ongoing efforts to get senior competitions going.
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The Bombers coach also declared he'll have no issue if some rival clubs are granted salary cap relief if it helps ensure a full complement of teams and a genuine Farrer League season.
The Bombers returned to training in small groups on Thursday and will prepare for a season to start on July 18.
While the unknowns and uncertainty are leading some to wonder if it's all worth it, Lenon is adamant it's too early to give up.
"To me, if we can play footy, if it's safe to do so ... it's a must that we play," Lenon said.
"I agree with everyone that we need restrictions lifted to have a crowd there, and we could work with 500 I reckon.
"But to me it's a must if the government and medical experts say it's safe to start footy and play.
"Having one full round and finals is certainly going to be beneficial and it's fair for everyone. Everyone will get four home games and four away games and it's going to be a whole lot better than not playing footy at all.
"Because if we don't play footy at all I think it's going to have a negative impact even more on next season and moving forward from this."
Barellan and Temora have raised objections to a $25,000 salary cap. Both clubs rely on a handful of players from Canberra and fear losing players and competitiveness if they have to slash match payments in half for footballers who are still travelling and playing.
Marrar president John Carroll said they can work within it and noted the increasing pressure on clubs in a weakened economy.
Lenon says many would play for nothing if it came to it but acknowledges individual circumstances at clubs should be taken into account to help ensure a season.
"I think if the AFL had come out and said there's a zero salary cap, there's no dollars, you play for nothing. I think you'd find everyone would still play.
"The reductions were brought in to take the pressure off clubs. But if some clubs need to spend a few extra dollars I'd be all for saying let's let them.
"They can apply (for dispensation) and if their reasoning is above board, then that's fair enough."
The nominal starting date is six weeks away and the AFL is relying on restrictions continuing to ease, with a decision to be made at the end of June
"At least we now know that and we've got dates. The way things are looking, from my perspective it's looking fairly positive. But I definitely agree that if we can't have crowds we can't have country footy," Lenon said.
"As a club, we're going to approach it like we're playing, until we're told different. We're certainly champing at the bit. We're keen as mustard.
"It was a good session (on Thursday night) and the boys certainly enjoyed getting back into it, that's for sure.
"It's not ideal but it's not too hard to put into practice. You can do your fitness, your strength and conditioning and you can still work on skills.Obviously you can't do full ground drills but there's still plenty you can do in groups of 10."
