Tasmanian football fans will get their first glimpse of the how the sport looks against a coronavirus-vigilant backdrop when round one kicks off this weekend.
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As well as 500-person crowd restrictions which will see many fans streaming games from home, clubs have had to implement detailed COVID-safe plans in order to get a season underway.
Lauderdale boss Julie Kay said while the restrictions had brought about challenges, clubs were more eager than ever to get back to footy.
"I think that the 500 crowd is going to be a bit of a challenge because there's an enormous amount of interest with people wanting to get back and watch local football, but we're back, so that's fantastic for everyone," Kay said.
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"The clubs that have got a home game also have had the added stress to make sure it's following all the COVID-19 protocols in place with the health department so that's a challenge in itself.
"We're the guinea pigs along with North Launceston and Glenorchy this weekend so it'll be interesting to see how it goes."
Kay's Southern Bombers are desperate to win their first TSL flag after finishing runner-up to North Launceston the past three years.
"It would be very nice to make a grand final and maybe get a win, that would be great, but in saying that this season is going to be like no other," Kay said.
"It's going to be fast and furious because the quarters are shortened and the season is shortened."
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Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
