Players hate waiting game
AFTER being stuck at home for a month, it is no surprise our local Aussie rules players are going stir crazy, but it is a lack of knowing when the sport will return that is driving their frustrations.
As other grassroots sports begin to map out their comebacks, AFL Queensland has committed to return to the field in 2020, but has yet to reveal how that will work.
It is understood the state body is working on a onesize-fits-all game plan which won’t be released until after a proposed National Cabinet meeting on May 11.
That return-to-play “road map” has been worked on in conjunction with other state bodies to align to a national directive from the AFL, which is putting the needs of its professional game above the grassroots.
AFL Queensland confirmed its road map would be announced in just over a fortnight, “following confirmation from the elite game of its planned resumption”.
That lack of direction has local AFL members crying out for more communication.
“It does frustrate you … give us some sort of information,” Hermit Park coach Brett Hughes said.
“We got told at the very start that you were going to get a month’s notice before a resumption, so we had time to train. If we take a month’s training now, then it is June at the earliest.
“We also have to work with Riverway Stadium and the cricket at the end of the year, same as the ground at Northern Beaches.”
An AFL Queensland spokeswoman confirmed the organisation was working “at length with cricket stakeholders” but was not in a position to share plans on a more “localised level”.
“AFL Queensland has a dedicated Community Football Working Group working at length,” she said.
“Part of this thinking includes looking at where we can innovate to ensure we get a season away for our clubs and players.
“We will be in a clearer position to announce what this looks like after May 11.”
While he said the waiting game was tough on his side, Hughes said the Tigers would be ready the minute they got word.
The reigning premiers had one practice match before the season, but the second-year coach was unsure if his players had kept up that intensity during the shutdown.
“I am sure there (are) a few who have been kicking the balls together but as you know, footy is a running game and if you haven’t been doing much of that, it will hit you,” he said.
“We just want to get on the field – the boys sitting at home … want to run around the field and pick up some bruises.
“It is a bit of an unknown when we will get to do that, though.”