The Border Mail contacted 45 players, club coaches and officials in an anonymous poll, asking, what's the biggest stumbling block for football's return?

Almost 60 per cent (26 respondents) said it was the lack of crowds, eight indicated it was financial issues, while two maintained it was player motivation.

The remaining nine cited individual issues, such as volunteer burnout and adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled the Federal Government's three-step framework for a reopening of the economy and a closer return to a 'normal' life.

Under the sport and recreation umbrella, step three allowed venues to operate with gatherings of up to 100 people.

However, there was no timetable for its introduction and would depend rather on states and territories.

In mid-March, Mr Morrison said non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people would be suspended and even though much has changed in the 10 weeks since, that figure's been mooted as the minimum level O and M clubs would want, should play proceed.

However, Raiders' boss Johnston, who wasn't contacted for the poll, says 500 wouldn't solve the problem.

"I don't think so. We've been told that if you're allowed a crowd of 500, you count all your footballers, netballers, coaches, support staff, volunteers, so that's a huge chunk," he said.

The league issues 81 passes to each club, comprising 25 thirds passes, 30 home and away for football volunteers, two executive (at clubs' discretion), 12 for 16s and under netball and 12 for netball volunteers.

Senior aged footballers and netballers don't pay for home games as they are club members, so you potentially have more than 160 'freebies' at every home game.

Johnston was therefore asked if the 'base' figure of 500 at games should be closer to a ballpark figure around 750.

"Yes, I'd say that's a reasonable amount," he replied.

Johnston says if there's no football and netball this year, that wipes away 50 per cent of the club's profits, adding more pressure on sponsors.

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"Clubs have to re-engage with their sponsors, that's the biggest issue probably, a season out of football means your sponsors have been left high and dry for 12 months as well," he said.

And another club president, who also didn't complete the poll, says next year could be just as tough.

"I think so, we've got our sponsors paid for this year, but it's going to be very hard coming back," North Albury's Tony Burns said.