For all its negative impacts on sport, COVID-19 has still had some positives, and few clubs have benefited more than Northern Rangers.
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Several former players have headed home to the relative safety of Tasmania and couldn't resist lacing up the boots at the NTCA Ground again.
Yitay Towns, Luke Eyles and Pat Lanau-Atkinson have brought considerable experience from the Victorian leagues for Fernando Munoz's men's team, and Emma Langley has had a similar impact in the women's team coached by Ian Loft.
"It is surreal that I am able to play for Rangers again," said the 23-year-old.
"My NPLW season in Melbourne got cancelled, so it was the perfect opportunity to come home for a bit, stay fit and play some games.
"Northern Rangers are like another family to me so it was a no-brainer. I am loving having my sister (Kate) by my side again.
"I have a lot of loyalty towards Northern Rangers - they hold a very special place in my heart. I have formed so many great friendships and there is a lot of history there - so many great memories.
I have a lot of loyalty towards Northern Rangers - they hold a very special place in my heart.
- Emma Langley
"I was tossing up whether to play Super League this year, but I wanted to give back to the club who provided me with the opportunities I have today.
"The culture and atmosphere that Rangers possess is something that is very rare and something I have missed as it is very political in Melbourne."
Launceston born, Langley went to St Thomas More's Primary School and St Patrick's College, beginning her soccer journey at the age of five for Southern Raiders where her mum and brother were already involved.
Playing in the boys' competition from under-seven to 16s, Langley played in Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association representative teams and was part of the first Tasmanian team to win the Kanga Cup in Canberra.
"This was some of the best years and pivotal to my development," she said. "Being challenged to adapt to the fierce nature of the boys' competition gave me many attributes that I possess today."
At the age of 15, Langley linked up with her representative teammates at Northern Rangers where she went on to win multiple awards including:
- Best and fairest: 2012-14, '16-17
- Team golden boot: 2014-17
- Club golden boot: 2016-17
- Club players' player: 2016
- Ranger of the year: 2015
She also won the 2016 Northern Women's Championship best and fairest, was a part of the women's state team to take on Victoria and played for Launceston City in the pilot season of the Women's Super League.
At the age of 18, Langley became her team captain at Rangers and also joined the board as a committee member. "I wanted to make a difference to our women's program and build an environment where young females could develop, evolve and feel supported.
"In 2017, we won our very first premiership, after years of hard work. It was an emotional and proud achievement that I will never forget. After achieving that, I knew that it was my time to chase my dreams and seek a more professional environment."
National Premier League Victoria side Heidelberg United invited Langley for a trial and she was offered a contract for the 2018 season.
Making the move to Victoria, she won another club golden boot in her first season before switching to Box Hill United where she missed out on finals by just one point.
She had re-signed for 2020 before COVID disrupted those plans, prompting the return to Launceston and Rangers.
Langley wasted little time getting used to the Northern Championship, scoring twice in third-placed Rangers' 5-1 defeat of Riverside on Saturday.
"This year I am hoping to play stress-free, work hard and score a few goals here and there," she said.
"This is a good time to refresh as it can get very hectic in Melbourne at times.
"My main season focus is to help the girls, encourage them to improve, work hard and believe in themselves. I am hoping my intensity can help the team lift to their full potential.
"I hope we can play some attractive football and be a real headache for some teams. I think the most important thing is that the girls feel confident, improve each week and feel part of a great environment - having a strong bond with teammates is always important and makes winning games even sweeter."
The striker, who also works full-time for a sporting company, said she owes much to former coach "mentor and good friend" Rod Fulton, and is also a big fan of Munoz.
"Rod is the reason why I am the player I am today. He pushed me to be a better player and always believed in me. His kind-heart and calming energy is what our team needed after going through so much mental and emotional struggle in 2015.
"He believed in us and pushed us every week to reach our full potential. I am forever grateful.
"I am also loving being around Fernando. I love his intensity and passion for the game."
Road back home puts Towns on map
Even with eight goals in three full games since returning to Northern Rangers, Yitay Towns is quick to share the credit.
"Luke helps a lot," he said of fellow NPL Victoria returnee Luke Eyles.
"We've played against each other many times in NPL Victoria and were both in the same boat when COVID hit."
The pair proved a blistering combination in Saturday's 7-1 destruction of Riverside, Towns even passing on normal penalty duties to reward his teammate.
"The first game back here I played by myself and it was a lot tougher so it's good to have him feeding me goals now. I think he's got six assists so I gave him the penalty back as a thank-you."
Towns, 24, was a pivotal part of Rangers' state league heyday and has since graduated to Avondale in NPL Victoria, with former Olympic junior Eyles at Dandenong City.
"It feels really good to be back and catch up with friends," Towns said.
"I guess COVID was a good excuse to come back and see everyone. Most of them can still remember me here and I love being at the club. I will probably come back here for good eventually."
The former Launceston Christian School student will return to Avondale when it is safe but in the meantime is happy dropping down a level and believes Rangers can still retain their Northern Championship crown.
With four matches remaining, Fernando Munoz's men trail Devonport by four points, with Ulverstone awaiting on Saturday before the pivotal trip to Valley Road on October 10.
"There is a difference in standard. You can get away with a lot more down here, but it's good - it's keeping my legs ticking over while I'm not playing in Victoria."
Although Pat Lanau-Atkinson has seriously injured his knee since also returning to the club, his brother Nick has been in England and Harry Thannhauser in NPL South Australia so the influx of returning Rangers may not be over yet.
Yitay's net profits
- Sept 12 v Burnie United 5-1 (3 goals)
- Sept 19 v Launceston United 5-0 (2 goals)
- Sept 26 v Riverside Olympic 7-1 (3 goals)