THE Tamworth Kangaroos are finding unique ways to stay connected, while the AFL North West competition remains on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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From Facebook groups to weekly fitness challenges, the club's male and female players have been busy preparing for a possible start to the season.
Kangaroos midfielder Danielle Abbott has helped spearhead the initiatives and said the entire club had got on board.
"We've got a Facebook group chat which helps us keep everyone accountable," Abbott told the Leader.
"From what I can tell, a lot of our girls have been doing runs up Flagstaff and the park run along the river.
"As well as that, a lot of players took footballs home and have been practicing their skills, so everyone is doing something."
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Abbott said the club's tight-knit culture was also a major factor in the players' commitment.
"A lot of our girls actually live together," she said.
"Personally, I live with two players,I know there is another house of four girls and another couple of girls who live together as well.
"I think a few of the boys live together as well, which makes it a lot easier when it comes to still doing some skills stuff, while still following the guidelines."
Abbott said the club was particularly focused on looking after the mental health of its players.
"I know it has been really hard not being together and we do have some key leaders around the club regularly checking in to make sure people are alright," she said.
"We do have quite a few first and second year players, so it is really important we check on them to ensure they feel supported.
"As well as that, there are a lot of people at our club who feel like footy is their outlet and while it's postponed, we want to make sure they are still feeling alright about everything."
The NSW Government is expected to relax some of its restrictions on Friday, including outdoor gatherings of 10 people for physical exercise.
"We are waiting for any sort of direction from AFL North West, in regards to getting out and training in some capacity," Abbott said.
"I know they have a meeting towards the end of this week, so the relaxation of the restrictions will obviously come into play there.
"If they give us the go ahead for some small group training I think we will all be on board.
"We just don't want to go out and be training per say, even if it is in small groups, if it's not what the AFL and AFL North West are stipulating.
"I guess we just have to wait and see."