AFTER months of waiting, the Leeton Phantoms will finally start their 2020 campaign on home soil this weekend.
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The Phantoms will host the CSU Reddies at No. 1 Oval on Saturday afternoon in second grade and the women's division.
The club decided several weeks ago it wouldn't be fielding a first grade side in 2020, opting instead to go with a second grade side that would contain a mixture of players.
Both the men's and women's teams have been back training for about the last six weeks, putting in the hard yards to prepare for the shortened season. Club president John Hill said the teams were looking forward to play getting underway.
"They are definitely still motivated even though it is a shorter season ... there's still plenty to play for - that carrot is still dangling in front of them," he said.
The club held its season launch last weekend where the playing jumpers for the season were presented.
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The women have their own guernsey, while the men will play wearing a mix of the third grade and senior jumpers to display all sponsors from this year.
Hill was expecting the Dianas and second grade to face tough opposition from the Reddies this weekend.
The Dianas have had solid numbers at training over the past month and will be looking to get their year off to a good start with an eye already on the finals series.
It's a similar story for the men, with the side to consist of around eight first grade players from last season, experienced team members and players making the transition from under 17s to senior football.
It is this combination that should work in favour of the Phantoms as they look to secure two home victories over the next fortnight before they hit the road.
The Junior Phantoms will need to wait at least another week for their season to get underway after it was pushed back.
Spectators are welcome at Saturday's matches, with a full canteen available.
They must adhere to social distancing and those who have been to Victoria in the past 14 days will now be permitted to enter the ground.
The men's will kick off at 1.30pm, with the Dianas to follow at 3pm.