NEW Collingullie-Glenfield Park president Noel Penfold says the Demons have no regrets about playing it safe and opting not to play last year, but is hopeful the hiatus will result in fans returning in droves this season.
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The Demons were one of the stronger advocates of sitting out 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, with former president Tony Dean in particular leading the charge.
While Penfold, who was installed as president late last year, admitted it may result in a few players not returning, but felt it was the right decision at the time.
"The big problem for us was we didn't know where COVID was going," he said.
"We didn't want to risk someone getting it, or an elderly person losing their life over it. That's what we put first and that's why we voted that way.
"We're yet to see what COVID does to us. Some people I've spoken to have enjoyed the time off and may not even come back, that may do some damage.
"The way I see it, nothing brings the Collingullie community together more than footy. So many people have said how much they're looking forward to it, because we didn't have it last year.
"We're hoping the enthusiasm's back and we'll get people back watching. We've got pride and ambition, and a lot of people in the club want to keep that going."
Penfold said he is looking to bring some new faces into key roles to reinvigorate the club.
"I decided to give the guys who have been there a long time a spell, my aim is to get some new blood into it and get other people involved," he said.
We're still chasing a couple of players and we're probably going to have a pretty young side, but I'm excited about that and I think we're going to be competitive."
The Demons will field AFL Southern NSW Women's side for the first time this season and although early signs are good, Penfold believes "only time will tell" whether there's enough player talent available in the future for all clubs to be represented.
"I've been fairly heavily involved in that. It's put a bit of pressure on but it's something we have to do in the future to be part of the AFL's plan, so we'll get in now and try and get ourselves established," he said.
"We still need a few numbers but we've got coaches, runners and other things in place. It's looking pretty good.
"I don't see that being an easy thing in the future, getting girls to play isn't that easy and time will tell."
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