GREATER Western Sydney star Harry Perryman says everything possible should be done to try and get local football off the ground this year, adamant it's vital for the morale of small towns.
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Perryman has spent the majority of the AFL's enforced break on the family farm at Collingullie and says the community is desperate for football to be played this year.
Their cause received a massive boost when the state government gave the green light for community sport to proceed from July 1.
"I've been talking to the brothers and a few Gullie boys back home and they're all keen to get back into it," he said.
"It's just whether it hurts them financially, I'm not too sure. But I know they're keen to play footy and they're back in their little groups at training, if they can get a season in they'd be up for it.
"Everyone back home loves playing footy on the weekend. They work during the week and they look forward to their footy where they can socialise and have a kick."
The Giants received approval from the government to host around 350 patrons at this Saturday's home clash against North Melbourne.
Many influential figures in sport, including New South Wales Rugby League boss David Trodden, believe it should be easier to allow a capped number of fans in regional areas due to the lower risks involved.
Perryman said there's no reason local football can't follow suit.
"I know a lot of the old farmers love watching the footy and talking to the locals. They probably haven't seen much of each other all year, so it would be good to have it back," he said.
"There's been no cases or anything back home. It's pretty spaced out as well, a lot of people just sit in their cars and I'm sure they can find a way around it."
Stadium operators will be required to develop and comply with a COVID-19 management plan.
In an important development for a season to be financially feasible, food and drink premises at venues can also open.
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