Mathoura expresses concern at PD start date

But Mathoura president Andrew Pridham said a great deal remained up in the air regarding the season's viability.

“While like all clubs we would love to get the season going, we have a number of concerns,” he said.

“There are still questions from a health and safety point of view, but the big question is around the financial side. Due to the restrictions currently in place we don't believe a season is financially viable.

“We know a lot can change before the season is currently scheduled to start, but no one can tell us for sure they will.

“Crowds are the lifeblood of country sports. Clubs rely on them to bring success and without them we don't see how our club can succeed his year.”

Pridham said even a possible 500 crowd exemption discussed in recent weeks would be far from ideal.

“It seems like a big number, but once you start to break it down you see the issue,” he said.

“You have both a senior and reserves football team for your club, plus coaches and support staff to get them ready, plus the same number for the opposition, that's already 100 or more.

“At the same time, you have A, B, C and C reserve netballers, two teams from each club with two games being played at the same time and the others at the ground getting ready, that's another 100 people.

“There is a suggestion of arriving playing and leaving straight away, but that hurts us as well.

“All clubs, not just ours, need people to stay around and get lunch at the canteen or buy a couple of drinks. It's how we make our money.

“We are like any other business, we need to stay profitable to be successful. No business operates to run at a loss.”

Though issues remain, Pridham said the club still wanted the season to be played.

“We all want football and netball to be played, there is no question there,” he said.

“We just want further clarity on the issues around it. Hopefully we get to a stage soon where the season does become viable so we can get up and running.”