Border restrictions have made it difficult for many, but there is still a healthy amount of football products plying their trade in the Northern Territory Football League.
A mouth-watering clash between last year's grand finalists Nightcliff and St Mary's kicked proceedings off in the Top End's premier competition.
Nightcliff — coached by Picola product and three-time premiership mentor Chris Baksh — is gunning for a remarkable four-peat this season.
But the reigning premier was unable to get the job done in the opening round.
The Tigers suffered a 12-point loss at Darwin's TIO Stadium.
Murray Football League and Tongala star Cameron Ilett booted a goal and was judged best-on in Nightcliff's line-up in the 10.9 (69) to 12.9 (81) defeat.
Lancaster import Nick Yarran, who played four games for the Kyabram District League outfit, booted a goal for St Mary's.
Goulburn Valley League outfit Mansfield had Ryan Nyhuis don the Nightcliff guernsey, along with Deniliquin's Nick Howe.
Meanwhile, Nathalia product Gemma Cusack helped Pint get off to a winning start in the women's premier division.
Cusack, who was a member of Pint's premiership last season, chipped in with valuable support as Pint saluted 7.2 (44) to 3.4 (22) over Southern Districts.
At men's division one level, two Tatura products have returned to Pint to help defend its premiership crown.
Bulldogs Matt Ryan and Andrew Ciavarella played important roles in Pint's 127-point thrashing of Districts.
The pair's premiership teammate and Numurkah product Ben Smyth provided support in the win.
Smyth, a schoolteacher, has joined Pint's under-14 coaching panel for the season.
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