Bring it on: Farrer League clubs, coaches and communities fired up for footy's return

Farrer League communities, spectators and players are jumping out of their skin for the competition's return on Saturday and the start of one of the most intriguing seasons in years.

For coaches, it's the shuffling of player magnets, the brain constantly reverting to footy, and working through selection headaches that gets hearts racing and reminds the head that footy's back, and this time it's for real.

"We've all realised how much we miss footy after it was forcibly taken away last year. It's a big part of our lives and only when it's not there do you realise just how big a part," Northern Jets coach Josh Avis said.

The Jets travel to Marrar amid great anticipation.

"I'm always excited but I can certainly sense the excitement from everyone else," Marrar coach Shane Lenon said.

"Our trial game against Griffith at home at Marrar, just the amount of people that turned up and the vibe... I think the players missed it but I think the supporters and volunteers probably missed it even more."

New North Wagga coach Cayden Winter formally starts his career 12 months later than planned, taking a new-look Saints side on the road to Temora to begin their premiership defence.

"I think last year you could look at as a bit of a mini-apprenticeship to see what goes on," Winter said.

"It probably has helped me prepare for this year.

"It's been a long wait. The boys have been ripping in to training so we can't wait to get out there and have a crack.

"It's very exciting and when you see all the twos boys turning up to training and everyone's buzzing, it's pretty good."

Favourites East Wagga-Kooringal are at home to The Rock-Yerong Creek in the match of the round.

"Probably the selection itself, you're back picking sides," EWK coach Matt Hard said drummed home the excitement.

"There's a few blokes that will be unlucky to miss out on round one who have done a lot of work and are right on the cusp... but it's a good place to be in."

The Magpies want to be a contender and co-coach Brad Aiken is happy with what he's seen so far, in a happy community.

"We're averaging about 35 blokes to training which for us is terrific," Aiken said.

"Old blokes are back out at the club, cooking barbeques and getting around it.

"The boys hang around after training and have a chat. The Canberra boys have hung about after the trial games and caught up with the old fellas. It's a really good vibe.

"For me, that's already a win. If we can get a few wins on the board early, that'll create a lot more enthusiasm.

"But if we don't, as long as footy's back and we're enjoying it and getting better... that's the important part."

'Pies recruit Riley Budd is certain to inject excitement.

"He's a big unit, six-foot-four and 100 kilos so that speaks for itself," Aiken said.

"But he's terrific. You can tell he's played that higher level of footy (with Canberra Demons). I think with his ability and knowledge, he'll bring a lot of our other blokes forward and help make them better footballers."

Aiken says they aren't concerned about the expectations on the Magpies.

He does believe sides that can all train together are at an advantage but he's expecting a tight competition.

"I think it's going to be whoever gels the quickest. And early wins I think will play a massive role," he said.

"You don't want to be looking at other sides at the back end of the year and wondering, 'if they win this week... or they lose this week'. You want to be in control of whether you'll play finals."

He believes Coleambally and EWK can set the pace but is wary too of CSU and Barellan.

"But i think it's going to be a pretty even comp. I hope it is because it'll bring people to the footy and that's what we want."

Coleambally are at home to CSU and Barellan have the bye. They kick off next week with a local derby against the Northern Jets.

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