Virus no match for Bluebirds’ ingenuity
CORONAVIRUS has proved no hurdle for the Coolangatta Bluebirds.
Like many sporting leagues, the QAFLW season was suspended indefinitely after the completion of Round 3 with the Bluebirds remaining undefeated in the opening rounds.
Coolangatta coach Nicole Graves hasn’t seen her players since their emphatic 51-32 win over Yeronga South Brisbane last month but that hasn’t stopped her from coaching from afar.
The former Carlton general manager of women’s football has used the break to design and build an online blog for her players where they can access structures, strategy and fitness programs.
The blog, titled “Coach Gravesy: Coaching Around Corona”, will soon be accompanied by a website, giving players no excuse to slacken off during their enforced shutdown.
“It’s essentially a one-stop footy shop which gives them all the tools they need and things they can do to keep fit,” Graves said.
“Their footy IQ will be 100 times better than it was when they left.
“I’m pretty confident most of them are up and about and doing stuff.
“I went for a bush walk with my housemate Leah Kaslar (Bluebird and Suns AFLW captain) the other week before they closed the tracks and we ran into two of our Cooly players in the middle of nowhere.
“It’s been tough not seeing them, especially because I was seeing them five times a week and now I haven’t seen them in five weeks.”
Clubs are expecting an update on the resumption of the QAFLW competition in early June when AFLQ staff return to work.