The highly-respected Forbes Magpies coach announced prior to the 2021 season kicking off it was likely to be his last with the Group 11 club.

But after a season ruined by injuries at Forbes and COVID-19 ruining any chance of finals, up to this point, Greenhalgh admits the chance to put things right next year is an appealing one.

The likelihood of a stronger Magpies squad, with recruits already being targeted, competing in the newly announced Peter McDonald Premiership also provides plenty of motivation.

The competitive fires have already been lit for both coach and players on the back of a season where they secured just two wins and one draw from 12 rounds.

Injuries and inconsistency ruined any chance Forbes had of building momentum this year but the coach still insists there was positives.

"There's a lot we've achieved this year," he said.

READ ALSO:

- 'Will Nan be around next year to watch us play?': Knockout organisers focus on message

- Yeo free to play in Panthers' sudden death finals clash

- Finals in Dubbo or Wellington unlikely should Group 11 action resume

With Mitch Burke leaving for Darwin early in the year and players like NSW Country representative Mitch Andrews spending plenty of time out injured, a number of younger Magpies got the chance in the top grade this season.

There were times when the lack of experience was exploited by rivals, but Greenhalgh felt by the final rounds his troops were showing they belonged.

That taste of first grade is expected to benefit them next year, while a number of new faces are already being looked at.

Greenhalgh admitted a stronger squad will be needed for the new competition in the Western Rams region, one involving clubs from both Group 11 and Group 10.

"Recruitment is going to be important," he said.

"We've still got the core group here. There's a bit of interest in 2022, we've set the wheels in motion and in the next week or so we hope to have some signings."

As for this year, if the finals do still manage to go ahead the Forbes club will be represented by its juniors and league tag side.

"They've already had a month without footy," Greenhalgh said of all players.

"They'd have to get back into training for a few weeks, and then you see that places like Dubbo and Wellington can't hold the finals.

"At time's like this football's probably not a priority unfortunately.

"You have those years with the asterisk against them and this might end up being amongst them."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: