Itching to get back in the game

SOUTH Hobart Soccer Club players Kobe Kemp and Nick Morton are among local sports stars finally getting back on the park as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Tasmanian State League footballers are also resuming training as the AFL yesterday released its revised roster.

TIGERS coach Trent Baumeler says it is vital TSL clubs not abuse the privilege of returning to modified training as hopes rise of getting a 2020 season restarted.

The Kingborough-based club wasted no time getting back into action following the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions, resuming training last night at the Twin Ovals in groups of 10.

Soccer is also back in action with several NPL Tasmania clubs, including South Hobart, also returning to the track.

While excited at finally being able to resemble some sort of normality, Baumeler is aware any announcement on a start date for the State League season hinges on clubs and players not flaunting health protocols.

Following a meeting between AFL officials, AFL Tasmania and the seven club presidents last Friday,

optimism is growing a reduced, 12-round season can be staged from mid to late July.

“It is sounding positive and trending positive, which is all we can do,” Baumeler said.

“The part we all play as clubs within the community is making sure we are doing the right thing to limit the spread of the virus, that’s going to have a bit bearing on whether we do get to play as well.

“It’s a really important thing. You see, Tassie is doing a pretty good job of getting on top of it at the moment. We have been given a bit of trust from a society perspective to get out and do something.

“We will do all the right things so we keep limiting the spread of the virus and that goes a long way to helping us get to play.”

Baumeler said with groups capped to 10 for the next three weeks, training drills will be limited.

“For most clubs the first three weeks before the next lot of restrictions lift, it is going to be a lot of back to basics.

“A lot of skill work, there is only so much you can do in groups of 10, but getting the groups back together, kicking the footy again … I know the boys have been waiting for a while and they are pretty excited to get back into it.”

Tassie soccer clubs are also getting back to work.

South Hobart Soccer Club president Victoria Morton last night said the club was very excited to get back out onto the field after a long 68 days without playing.

“Our coaching staff were delighted to see the players and even though there were many new CovidSafe rules to abide by, everyone was prepared to make sure it worked,” she said.

“Interestingly we have had no requests for refunds of registration funds, which proves how enthusiastic everyone is to play games in the near future.”