SEAN: It's been a long few months without football and netball but on Wednesday night Portland took on Hawks in the opening round of the Hampden league's junior season. It's good to see it back and kids getting out and playing the sport they love and remaining fit and healthy. What are your thoughts on it coming back?

JUSTINE: It's a credit to the league, AFL Western District, volunteers, parents and players. There have been hurdles, such as a COVID-19 scare in Port Fairy two weeks ago, and more curve balls will come before the season is out. Some clubs also don't have numbers for all grades, given the Sunday competition has now combined with Saturday. But the overall feeling is the re-arranging has been worthwhile. It would've been sad to see kids lose a season and might have meant some were lost to their sports forever.

BRIAN: I'll be out among the action covering games over the weekend and looking forward to it. Keen to talk to a variety of people and see how they are feeling about the footy and netball being back. It'll be intriguing to see the COVID-19 protocols in action.

JUSTINE: Don't forget to pack your lunch, Brian! One protocol means canteen doors will be shut.

BRIAN: Excellent point! I like the way the Hampden league is encouraging people to support local businesses. It was interesting reading your piece in Thursday's paper Nick about the guidelines for spectators and participants. Looks like the best seat in the house will be from the comfort of your own car. I think many people would say that in a regular season!

NICK: That's definitely it - the car is the best place to be if possible. The Hampden league is very keen to ensure no unnecessary congregation is taking place. The mentality is very much about letting the kids play their sport but not hanging around afterwards. It's a shame the social side of sport can't really take place but health is number one priority and I can understand completely where they're coming from. Do you reckon we'll see a good standard of footy and netball on show?

SEAN: I feel so! The region has a rich history of producing promising young footballers and netballers and with the chance to be centre stage I feel our junior stars can only go up another level with confidence. I'm intrigued to see how much development these kids make by getting the opportunity to play this year.

JUSTINE: There are some talented footballers, including those on NAB League lists, who will play for their home clubs which is a boost for those sides. Some players, such as Fraser Marris at South Warrnambool and Patrick Rea at Warrnambool, board in Ballarat but are keen to play for their home clubs. The AFL has endured another hectic week. It's been confirmed Victorian clubs will be based interstate for the rest of the home-and-away season. Seems to have been less backlash - is everyone now prepared to do what is required to get a season in?

NICK: I feel for (AFL chief) Gill (McLachlan) and friends big time. It's exhausting to watch the AFL merry-go-round from the sidelines - imagine how tiring it would be to be in the middle of it all. I think the very vast majority of clubs and players are. It was always going to be the season where everyone had to just buckle down and push through and I think footy is doing wonders for national morale in a pretty tough time.

BRIAN: I was skeptical about whether the season would be finished given the spike in COVID cases but the fixture bonanza - 33 matches in 19 consecutive days - might get them over line. I agree with you about morale Nick. I'm watching about three or four games a weekend at the moment. You get a sense of anticipation waiting for your team to play which was something missing during the enforced break.

SEAN: I for one am happy to still see footy go ahead. I'm like you Brian but I have taken it to the next level and I will watch almost every game. Before this year I hadn't watched this many games because I wasn't as invested but this year I'm fully into it and it's the best escape, even if some of the games might not be as exciting as we all would want them. With the players accepting to go into hubs we may see instances where players have to go home for a bit to be with their families and we have to understand that. They are fathers, husbands and partners and they need to support the people who support them for so much of the year.

JUSTINE: I think those in Melbourne metro lockdown would be grateful there's sport back on the agenda - AFL, NRL, Formula 1, PGA Tour golf, English Premier League etc. I am probably watching six or more matches a weekend at the moment and must admit I am drawn to teams on the rise - Gold Coast, Carlton, Western Bulldogs and even the enigma which is Melbourne - rather than those established at the top, plus, of course, my team Fremantle. I am glad the players will push on and am grateful those who help run the game - the umpires, medical professionals and staff - are making the sacrifices, without the fanfare, too.