But those butterflies have seemingly been enhanced two-fold this year as most clubs emerge from a COVID-enforced 12-month slumber.

The big fear for many clubs before deciding to pull the pin was whether players who had headed elsewhere to get some game time in 2020 would come back, while others who didn't play may have enjoyed being away from training and the extra 'me' time on weekends.

"It was difficult not playing netball on the weekend, but it was good at the same time," new Temora netball coach Meg Reinhold said this week.

"It will be interesting to see this year who turns up after having a year off."

Collingullie-Glenfield Park president Noel Penfold said the situation is also unknown as the Demons return to action.

"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," he said.

"(But) 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."

Lethargy may have set in during the hiatus. Enjoying more down time on the weekend with family, or the chance to devote more time to other hobbies may be difficult to give.

Others, hopefully the majority, will be desperate to get back into the regular sporting routine they rely on to blow off some steam.

But the bigger picture is at stake here. Footy teams are the lifeblood of most small towns and ensuring they remain vibrant with everyone doing their part is critical.

Demons netball coach Brigetta Hart summed it up nicely after returning from a year off to head up the squad.

"It's definitely a factor, you always play to win, but COVID has changed my perspective a little bit and it's not necessarily about the outcome," she said.

"It will be good to get back into it, I think everyone is missing the social aspect as much as the netball aspect."

THE two weeks of the Australian Open is a sports fan's dream.

If you've had enough of the Big Bash or it's a dud match-up, there's the option to switch over to the world's best tennis players and there's almost always an engrossing contest to unwind in front of after work.

But after all the hard work we've done to get on top of the COVID crisis, it's important to ensure every contingency plan necessary is in place to keep everyone safe.

Officials have been working feverishly to make it safe for players and residents alike, which has hopefully eliminated the risk to allow tennis stars, some from countries struggling far more than us to contain the virus, to arrive on our shores.

Specific charter flights, landing in airports where other passengers aren't present and direct transport to hotel quarantine is a good start.

Already a handful of big names have ruled themselves out, including Andy Murray and American star Madison Keys, after they tested positive to the virus.

However if the medical experts are satisfied all boxes have been ticked to ensure everyone's safety, then let's get things rolling.

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