Many NTFA teams had players out due to COVID or isolation in the opening rounds.

For example, Evandale senior coach James Conroy wasn't expecting to have near his best side on the park until after the Easter break.

Elsewhere others have come out of retirement to help out.

It's highlighting the importance of club depth which is a luxury only some have.

Bridport went into recess about a week before the season started because it couldn't get enough players.

An NTFA statement said the club was in a sound financial position but didn't have the numbers to field two teams.

The Seagulls finished sixth in seniors and seventh in reserves in 2021 so were far from the strugglers of the association.

It comes after Bridport joined the NTFA in 2017 from the North Eastern Football Union.

The NEFU, a league with rich history, finished up in 2017. Winnaleah and Scottsdale Crows were the final two clubs involved.

Bridport is determined to return to NTFA competition in 2023 which is positive as the NTFA is at risk of losing a proud club which offers football to those in the north-east.

While some teams are finding it difficult to find players, others are thriving.

UTAS men's won their first game in four years in the opening round with a 41-point victory against Meander Valley in division one.

New coach David Manktelow was thrilled to announce the club had at least nine new players ahead of the season.

Meanwhile, the women's game is booming.

Longford coach Michael Boyack said the second-year team had grown its list from 16-18 players to 28.

Co-captains Jade Nichols and Alanah Boyack explained the team had used social media and word-of-mouth to attract interest.

Hillwood coach Dwayne Beeton said they had 10 new women who have never played footy before and 15 new to the club.

Old Scotch mentor Deb Reynolds was pleased to report her side had more than 10 new or returning players this season.

Meanwhile, player participation is an issue in other sports.

George Town Cricket Club switched from Cricket North to TCL in 2020 after struggling for numbers for the best part of a decade.

Devonport Hockey Club withdrew its Greater Northern League men's team for this season.

While some footy teams prosper and others struggle, what can be done to improve competitions overall?

Player numbers are a big issue in country Victoria too.

Male and female junior numbers were a significant problem in footy-mad town, Warrnambool, at the start of 2021.

As a reporter there, my thought was for leagues to focus on reducing the commitment to be a player.

So creating more opportunities for players and families to have spare time in footy season to go to events such as concerts and on holidays.

That could look like a shortened fixture, more breaks in a season or perhaps the flexibility to play during the week.

Reduced commitment would also benefit volunteers.

What I've been impressed by looking across the four NTFA senior rosters is each competition has numerous byes which gives people a chance to take a break during a long season.

Perhaps another step could be taken towards have more weeknight matches.

Weekend work is an obstacle for numerous players so perhaps a mix of Saturday and say Wednesday night games could entice them to get on board.

At the very least, weeknight games would be a great back-up if teams couldn't field enough players on a Saturday, particularly if COVID persists.

It seems possible it could happen this season if COVID cases ramp up in winter.

Country footy clubs are battling through a unique time.

Fixture flexibility could be key to growing and keeping up player numbers this season and in future.

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