Yet, with all the uncertainty the Cougars have survived, excitement has never waned for the proud, community-driven club.

"We've always been low on numbers and big on passion," club president Jason Gordon said.

"We've got great community involvement out here. It's a passionate town and we've always been known as the party club.

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"The town is just fizzing for football. I had to try and find umpires for a (practice match). It wasn't hard - it only took three phone calls.

"That's vibe we've got at the moment. Everyone is sick of not having footy."

"Everyone has just got this thing where there thinking 'let's just get out and play'.

"(Our practice match) was played in real winter conditions and no one gave a flying pig's toss.

"It was just great to be back out playing again. Everyone had grins of their faces, we were drinking beers after the game and just had a good time."

Gordon said the move to the Horsham District league had been a shot in the arm.

"I reckon its the best attendances at training we've had since the merger," he said, "Lifelong members of the club can't remember (seeing this much numbers)."

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