WARRIORS READY TO BATTLE AGAIN
NORTH Geelong Warriors were the first sports team in the region to resume training on Saturday as it plots a return to play in early July.
Football Victoria has released plans for NPL games to start in early July, although that announcement was met with scepticism by some top-flight clubs.
But NPL2 outfit North Geelong is keen for the season to get under way.
“We’re all about getting the boys back playing,” director of football Josip Skoko said.
“We’re happy to start whenever they’re comfortable. We’ve got no issues with that, we’ve got no issues with grounds or anything like that — we’ve got access and we can’t wait.”
Community clubs have also been given a resumption date of June 28 and NPL junior clubs on June 20.
But FV stressed the timeframe were “target dates only” and that they may be revised as clubs await a revised fixture.
Some top-tier outfits fear they will not be able to meet the costs associated with playing, but clubs in lower divisions are on board.
North Geelong players were back at Elcho Park on Saturday in small groups in preparedness for the season.
“We’re very much pro getting the season back up and running and completing the season,” Skoko said.
“I know some clubs have come out and said they don’t want to complete the season or whatever because of all this going on, but we want to play.”
Skoko said the club would have to be prepared to operate at a reduced revenue but it could overcome expenses.
“That would take a hit and obviously some of the sponsorships you get throughout the year and a lot of companies have been hit,” he said.
“That will probably be another factor that you won’t be able to get your sponsorship money but when these things happen, we’ll react and adjust accordingly.
“Hopefully within two or three weeks the whole club will be back up and running if things go well.”