Eagles ready to take off
SAINTS Eagles South leader Corey Waples believes the anticipation among his players will drive them to glory when the side is finally given permission to fly.
The Eagles were soaring before the COVID-19 sporting shutdown, and Waples believes they can find that momentum again.
The Townsville Premier League side was in its best shape for years, culminating in a resurgent FFA Cup charge that took them to the Townsville final, the furthest they had been in competition history.
But while the season has gone into hibernation, captaincoach Waples said there was “intrigue” among the group about their prospects despite having their promising buildup ripped away and concern that the enforced break would disrupt the work they put in.
He said the squad wanted to stay on top and players were putting in the work behind the scenes to maintain their spot.
He said it might be frustrating not to have clarity over whether the FFA Cup would proceed but there were broader issues to consider.
“It’s a good thing for Australia and the sport growing within the community. But there’s a bigger picture at the moment and that’s what we need to focus on,” Waples said.
“We were the fittest and most well prepared that we’ve been for a long time … it was more than just the Cup run.
“(But) it’s actually built up a lot of anticipation for the players, I think they’ll be more eager than they would’ve been if it was a regular season.
“It’s definitely frustrating but there are bigger things being hurt in the world.”
Given its nationwide status, interstate travel would have to be allowed in order for the FFA Cup to proceed in 2020.
North Queensland Football general manager Declan Carnes said a plan had been submitted to the Queensland Chief Health Officer with regards to the FFA Cup proceeding, which was awaiting approval.
He said while proposed 14round local competitions had extra dates to accommodate FFA Cup fixtures, a secondary 21-round option did not.
“My preference is the 14 rounds because it doesn’t place further pressure on the organisation or the players,” Carnes said.
“It’s limited to 10 people to train, which obviously doesn’t suit competitive football. We’re hopeful that’s going to change with our Football Queensland direction which has been given to the medical officer.
“We’re waiting on the State Government officer to approve the plan and when that’s approved FQ will deliver that to the zones to implement.”