The Diggers Rest Junior Football Club played its first season in 1978 and during the past two seasons, the all-important link between juniors and seniors - the under 16s - has not had the numbers to field a team.

Club secretary Mel Tyquin said the side had started in the Riddell District Football League season full of hope and had played the first few games of the season, but numbers had dwindled and it now had only 12 players.

The side is having to forfeit games and will shortly be forced to pull out of the competition because it cannot field the minimum requirement of 14 players.

"It looks like we'll have to fold. We may have to withdraw the under 16s," Mrs Tyquin said. "But we're so close - we just need a couple more committed players."

The players would be devastated if the team folded.

"They've played as a group all the way through school," Mrs Tyquin said. "It's been really tough on the boys.

"We've had two seasons without a team and we fought to get the under 16s up and running again."

Forced to field patched-up teams of players from lower age divisions, and even a few undermanned squads, the Burras have been on the receiving end of a few lop-sided score lines.

Coach Ron Sikora said it was disappointing to be so close to having a team.

"We've got 12 committed players, but we can't seem to top it up."

To sign up, call Mel Tyquin on 97400390, or email secretary@drjfc.com.au