OSBORNE coach Joel Mackie is free to make his debut for the club against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes on Saturday.
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Mackie was given the green light to play, along with high-profile Albury players Elliott Powell and Zach Bye, following a review of the Border player transfer coronavirus policy by AFL Riverina.
The star trio missed the opening round against Wagga Tigers following a recommendation by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian against travelling.
Osborne president Jason Gooden is ecstatic with the decision.
"I'm rapt they are now able to play," Gooden said.
"To have our leader out there is going to be fantastic for the younger players in particular.
"Joel's done so much work behind the scenes and has been enthusiastic since he first joined us last year.
"For the club, it's terrific news."
AFL Riverina took into account the tightening of the Border region in regards to Victoria and the fact that there had been no coronavirus cases in Albury since July 6 when making its decision.
The board also took into consideration that no further restrictions had been enforced on the Border region.
"We will permit players from the Border region to participate in football and netball from this weekend," AFL Riverina chairman Michael Irons said in a statement.
"We continue to encourage clubs to take a proactive approach in managing travelling players to ensure the safety of our communities.
"We will continue to review the situation each week on travelling players and will consider any advice and changes communicated by the government."
Osborne's Jed Griffin and Connor Clarke will also become eligible for selection.
While Mackie is a certain starter against MCUE on Saturday, Gooden said he was unsure whether the selection panel would pick Powell, Bye, Griffin or Clarke this weekend.
The ruling is also likely to be a boost for Wagga Tigers and MCUE.
Albury forward Brayden O'Hara is now free to join Jake Gaynor and Jim Grills at the reigning Riverina league premier while Corowa-Rutherglen's Trent Castles could line-up for the Goannas.
Wodonga's Tom Johnson (Osborne) and Corowa-Rutherglen's Damian Cupido (MCUE) have been ruled out because they live in Victoria.
