Thunder will return to Greenfield Park on Wednesday night with their season being given the green light to start against Southcity on July 18.

"It's good we know we have a set date," Purtell said.

"We will focus on fitness for the first few weeks with the ball in hand and get as much contact in as possible as there will be no practice games or anything like that.

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"In the middle of winter it's going to be really important to get the contact into the boys' bodies.

"It's going to be a tough challenge but hopefully everyone is up for it."

With Temora and Cootamundra withdrawing, clubs will play an eight-round home and away series before the finals.

The grand final is set down for September 27.

"Hopefully we get good numbers along to training this week," he said.