THE Narrabri Eagles are setting their sights on a return to the AFL North West competition after a year in the wilderness.
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The club opted to go into recess after playing two games in the 2019 season.
A shortage of player numbers was the cause of the decision, but the club is eager to return to the field this season.
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Eagles president Tom Carberry said the club's pre-season training sessions would begin next week.
"We will start off as normal with training sessions next week, and really look to start recruiting new players over the coming weeks," Carberry told the Leader.
"Going into recess last year meant the club went into a rebuilding phase and these training sessions are the next step in that process.
"At the moment, we are advertising the training sessions and sending out flyers everywhere in the hopes to bring in some new players."
Carberry was among several Eagles players to ply their trade at other clubs after the decision was made to go into recess.
"We had a few guys like myself who played at the Tamworth Roos and over at Gunnedah," Carberry said.
"All of those guys are eager to come together again and play for us.
"It's great that a few us played at other clubs last season but, for the survival of our club, it is important we are able to retain players long-term."
In support of the club's plans to re-enter the competition, the Eagles' sponsor, the Crossroads Hotel, has introduced a members card in the hopes of recruiting new players.
"Basically it is a card that will allow each member a 10 per cent discount at the Crossroads," Carberry said.
"We are so lucky to have the support of the Crossroads and I'm confident this strategy will hopefully encourage some new players to come and join our ranks."
Carberry said the support the club had received from AFL North West had been fantastic.
"The guys from AFL North West have regularly called us and offered to help in any way they can, which has been awesome," he said.
"We are currently in talks with AFL North West about hosting the annual Crossroads Cup.
"At the moment, it is looking like it will be on a couple of weeks before the start of the season.
"We haven't set down a date yet, that should come after AFL North West decides on the fixture."
The pre-season training sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting next week, from 7pm at Leitch Oval.
"Everyone who is interested is more than welcome to come along," Carberry said.
"Experience in the game isn't compulsory and we'd love to have some new faces come along for a run."