The prime minister's talk of an 'early mark' out of coronavirus restrictions could allow for people to train together in groups of 10 as soon in the very near future.
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The national cabinet met on Tuesday and will again get together on Friday when it's expected to outline what society restrictions can be eased.
At the same time, the Australian Institute of Sport has released a 'framework for rebooting sport in a COVID-19 environment'.
Current conditions are labelled Level A.
The next phase, Level B, raises the limit on people training together to up to 10.
It also allows for sharing balls and equipment, but maintains a ban on contact.
The guidelines encourage a 'Get in, train and get out' mentality, arriving ready to train, and to leave immediately afterwards to avoid sharing change rooms.
A return to full training and competition has to wait until the final phase, Level C.
But the framework at least offers hope, and a glimpse of normality.
Importantly, Level C doesn't indicate any ban on spectators.
The AIS framework is there to guide governments but health authorities will continue to have the final say.
But the prospect of a return to play will heighten the need for answers to the questions at clubs.
However, as quickly as things changed in mid-March, so too has the prospect of playing again.
The AFL has recommended league salary caps be slashed in half to start with, then reduced again on a pro-rata basis.
It means the $90,000 cap for AFL Riverina would go to $45,000, then be cut in half again if only half a season was played.
But there's been one big positive in 2020 for rural clubs with widespread rain creating a promising start to the season.
Most coaches across the Riverina and Farrer league organisations would agree they want to see football return as soon as possible, but in the safest way possible.
They don't want the health of their players, officials or fans to be put at risk during the ongoing pandemic.
