THE Werris Creek Magpies could have a totally different side heading into the 2020 Group 4 season, after several players indicated they might not return to the club next year.
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Callum Hayne, Zac Leonard and Sam Lumby are all undecided on their playing futures, all three having recently relocated for work.
Meanwhile, winger Nathaniel Slater will take up a new coaching opportunity with Group 21 club the Murrurundi Mavericks.
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On the eve of the Magpies' first pre-season training session on Thursday, coach Ron Dellar said his side "could look very different next year".
"Sam has moved over to Western Australia for work, while Callum has moved down to Adelaide with the company he was working with in Gunnedah," Dellar told the Leader.
"Zac has been transferred with the railways down to Bathurst and Slater has taken up a coaching role.
"There's a long way to go before the start of next season, so we aren't sure if we may get a few of these boys back, but it could be a very different team next year, that's for sure."
Despite the potential exodus of first-grade players, 2020 promises to be an exciting year for the Creek as the club endeavours to field an under-18 side for the first time in many years.
"Looking to field an under-18 team is very much a long-term plan for us," Dellar said.
"We'll be hoping to draw in players from areas around Werris Creek, such as Quirindi, Caroona and those sorts of places.
"It's what it was like in the 1990s - most of our side was from Caroona. There's been a bit of work put in so far, but we will have a gala day early in the new year and we will know what sort of numbers we're dealing with then."
Dellar said some of the club's favourite sons had been "helping to drive" the push for an under-18 team.
"Chris Wilson has really been leading the way on trying to get an under-18 side together," he said.
"He did a great job coaching reserve grade this year and has been looking at ways to bring more young guys to the club.
"However, if we are able to get an under-18 side together, it will be coached by Cody Tickle.
"I think Cody would be really good in that role should we be able to get a side together."
The Magpies will host their first pre-season session at Dave Taylor Oval from 6pm on Thursday, followed by a Christmas break-up session on December 19.
"We won't be doing too much, just having a bit of a run around," Dellar said.
"If anyone wants to come down and have a run, from any grade, they are more than welcome.
"We will be having some drinks and a barbeque after the last training before Christmas, so it should be a lot of fun."