After the cancellation of the 2020 season, there are still some concerns about the potential start of next season.
The HDFNL is targeting Saturday, April 10, the week after Easter, with no games expected to be played on Good Friday like previous seasons.
And there has been a call out for more volunteers with clubs in surrounding competitions admitting they may struggle to survive.
“This will be our toughest year,” Cole told Australian Community Media.
“At this stage we just don't know how we're going to rebound from this year. Some clubs might benefit from the year away, others mightn't.
“We've really got to work hard to get the enthusiasm back. Our main aim, as a board, is to rekindle that enthusiasm and motivation.
“(Prior to COVID-19) our league was on a roll and was the most popular going around, I don't care what anyone says.
“We have to try to get that back. It's going to be a tough gig.”
Cole said he had been in consistent contact with clubs to help them through the pandemic as they look ahead to the new year.
“We'll work in conjunction with our clubs ... some decisions we make are good and some are not as well received by clubs,” he said.
“At the end of the day we do it for the benefit of all of our clubs, not the odd one.
“We'll keep them informed and we'll have a representative at all their annual meetings to see how they're travelling.
“During pre-season training you don't need too many volunteers, but once you get a month out from the season and practice games start ... that's when it kicks in.
“The fundraising and social committees are so important. We still don't know how many people we're allowed to have at these events.
“It's a bit of a dog's breakfast at the moment, but we've got to keep chipping away at it.
“The (COVID-19) numbers are encouraging and, hopefully, we'll be able to have a full season of football and netball.”
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