That dedication and hard work has paid off. The Hampden league junior season, in a revised format, started on Wednesday night in Portland.

It will be in full swing on Saturday.

The Standard spoke to players from different clubs and different age groups about what it means to be playing again.

NEW Koroit under 18.5 co-captain Isaac Sinnott believes the Saints' youth is the cream of the Hampden league's crop.

Sinnott, the reigning Judd Cup winner, was unveiled as co-skipper alongside Jack Block on Thursday night.

The 18-year-old said the Saints list - which has players brimming with both Greater Western Victoria Rebels and senior experience - could make a mark in 2020.

"Most of the young lads like Mac (Petersen) and that have played Rebels so they're real good," Sinnott said.

"I don't reckon anyone else's younger kids will be as strong as ours which will be really handy.

"That should hopefully give us heaps of depth. Most of the boys have played a bit of seniors too so that helps."

Both Sinnott and Block welcomed footy's return. The duo worked to keep themselves sharp in the COVID-19 shutdown but were enjoying group training.

"Even if we're playing half a season, it's good to get back training and be running around with the boys," Block said.

"We were still doing a bit, going for kicks and runs and doing a bit of footy. We were thinking it'd come back at some stage and we were just trying to be ready for it.

"I was a little disappointed when they cancelled (seniors) but it wasn't too bad being able to come back into it."

The Hampden league clubs voted to cancel the senior season due to COVID-19 uncertainty on June 10 but was committed to fielding junior football and netball.

It released a 10-game home-and-away fixture on July 2, with a two-week finals series.

Sinnott said Koroit, which will host Port Fairy at Victoria Park, was relishing the return to competitive action.

"I think everyone is pretty keen, just to get back into it and get a game under the belt," he said.

"It's always a good match. I used to play with Port Fairy a while back so it's always pretty good to play them."

Ruby Conheady and Mary Place played in a 13 and under premiership together.

They're eager to replicate the feat as 15 and under teammates at Camperdown in 2020, albeit under different circumstances.

The Mercy Regional College students are grateful hard work behind the scenes will allow them to play for the Magpies this year when COVID-19 restrictions have cost many of their teenage counterparts across the state the same opportunity.

A flag would be the icing on top but both netballers said playing was a bonus.

"I am actually really excited," Conheady said.

"It's been good to get back and train with all my friends.

"I think it's really important, not just so everyone can play again, but it's great for everyone's mental health and fitness as well.

"It's good for everyone to play on the same day with the other juniors (instead of Saturday and Sunday competitions). That will be new and different and I am excited for that."

Conheady, who plays goal shooter and goal keeper, said her emotions had fluctuated throughout the sporting hiatus which was imposed just weeks out from the Hampden league season-opener in April.

"I was kind of sad when I heard the news but then to be able to get back into it means it was worth staying away (for a while)," she said.

Camperdown has embraced the strict protocols brought into keep people safe during the pandemic with Conheady saying the players were equipped to deal with the changes.

"We've been hand-sanitising and managing times and training very well," she said.

"And we've managed to wash the balls. It's been different."

Place, who plays goal attack, echoed her teammates' excitement for the season-opener.

She said she thought at one stage the season might slip by the wayside.

"I wasn't too sure if we would but I am glad we do get a bit of a run," Place said.

"It is good to stay connected and be able to talk and play some games together.

"It would've been a little bit upsetting (if we didn't play) because I like the Thursdays and the Saturdays together."

FOOTBALL is a way of staying connected with friends for Cobden under 18.5 player Luke Hickey.

Hickey, 17, works on a farm out of town and relishes the chance to train and play each weekend.

The Bombers forward said he was grateful the Hampden league had worked hard to give him that chance in unusual circumstances this year.

"I am pretty excited, it's a bit of privilege because not many people get to do it," Hickey said.

Hickey is doing a traineeship at a dairy farm and loves working on the land.

"I am doing a cert three in agriculture," he said.

"I started this year. It goes for two years but you can get it done in 18 months.

"I grew up in town but I had relatives and grandparents on dairy farms." Hickey, a life-long Bomber, is upbeat about the Bombers' chances in a shortened season under coach Ben Darcy.

"I think we've got good numbers and heaps of people getting to training, so I reckon we'll have a good crack at it," he said.

Football: U12, 9am; U14, 10.40am; U16, 12.30pm, U18.5s, 2.30pm; Netball:12&U, 10am; 13&U, 10am; 14&U, 11.15am; 15&U, 11am; 16&U, 12.30pm; 17&U, 1.45pm.

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