EASING LIMITS IMPORTANT STEP
LOCAL football clubs have been provided another step towards games starting, but scepticism as to whether if a season will go ahead.
Seniors and reserves teams will be able to train together after AFL Victoria announced two groups of 20 would be allowed on the same oval.
Clubs have been limited to groups of 10 in each half of the ground until yesterday’s update from the state governing body.
Queenscliff coach Steve Clark said it was an encouraging move. He said the Coutas had 48 players on the track last week and training had been important for player wellbeing.
“When they had to train just on their own when they were in lockdown or in pairs and we were doing Zoom strength and conditioning sessions, no doubt the motivation was really waning then and some guys were having trouble getting up,” Clark said.
“Last week, the mood was terrific, the boys were fantastic in their attitude and way they went about it.
“I don’t think the motivation itself will be any different this week with the 20 (in groups) to what it was last week.”
The latest that a decision surrounding the GFL and BFL seasons can be made is June 9. The GDFL will deliver its verdict after next Tuesday’s AFL Barwon commission meeting.
Barwon Heads co-coach
Mitch Herbison said it was important for the playing group to reconnect.
Geelong Falcons Oliver Wiltshire, Charlie Brauer, Sam Witherden, Flynn Young and Archie Hildebrandt have also been training at the Seagulls as uncertainty swirls around the NAB League competition.
“It’s more about giving people in the community the opportunity to get out and do some footy training,” Herbison said.
“There’s still a bit of uncertainty in regards to whether the season’s going ahead.
“At this point, it’s more about providing the community with some opportunities to get out and train and do something a little bit social.”
Torquay coach Dom Gleeson said it had been a positive move to increase the numbers allowed to train.
The Tigers have been preparing in small groups but no scheduled training has taken place.
“I think the overall consensus is they just want to wait until next Tuesday for a commitment to the season or not,” Gleeson said.
“They’re just finding it hard to have something to focus on.
“A lot of them are quite busy at work and the challenges to make training when you might be training for no reason.
“My overall response is they’re all fairly eager to get started, they just want a date and unfortunately no one can give that.”