SOUTH Australian football clubs are now in the process of sorting out logistics of a return-to-training, with the SANFL laying out a number of strict guidelines to lower the risk of potential COVID-19 transmission.
Central District Football Club made its return to the track on Monday night, with different groups of players arriving at staggered time periods to allow no more than three groups of 10 players on the oval at once.
Coach Jeff Andrews, who completed his quarantine yesterday after returning from Victoria two weeks ago, said everyone is facing a unique challenge, but feels his players are in a good position to pick up where they left off.
“Initially, once we didn’t know what was happening, we gave them a two-and-a-half week block off, where we said you’re not going to hear from us, enjoy your space and look after your family,” he said.
“That finished around two weeks ago, and since then we’ve been back in regular Zoom meetings and checking in with the players individually.
“Some of them have done things like run half marathons, so they’ve had motivation to do something different in the fitness space, whereas others you really had to keep checking in on because they’re struggling to get out for a run since they’re not sure if there’s even going to be a season.
“We can attack it pretty aggressive now – they’ll be a bit sore after (Monday night’s training) – but we’re not dealing with the majority of our squad having done nothing for eight weeks.”
Locally, Gawler Central’s senior men will be returning to training on May 26, with A-grade coach Matt Whelan saying while he expects his club to need at least a month to build back up, being able to get the footballs in players’ hands is crucial.
“My plan of attack is to get the footies in their hands as soon as possible,” he said.
“The thing we need to be really good on is touch – the fitness component will build.
“I don’t think it’s a disadvantage to only have the one oval (compared to other clubs with two), we just need to be a little bit wise about how we implement the plan going forward.
“I think we’ll do a staged approach for the first couple of weeks with the senior sides, and then we’ll slowly introduce some of the juniors in, and then we’ve got women’s football as well.”
Down the road, Willaston Football Club president Aldo Pasin said the wheels are in motion for a return, but the club is taking the time to make sure all criteria is met.
“At the end of the day, we’re just going to make sure that we’re comfortable with it all – there’s things like having sanitizer everywhere, and just little things we want to make sure is all taken care of,” he said.
“We’re not rushing one bit, at all. My fingers are crossed, I think it would be good for everybody to come back, but realistically at this stage, until we’ve got the all clear to have crowds, I can’t see the BLG really kicking off.”
Kapunda A-grade coach Fraser Evans said his groups were getting together for a light kick and a catch “really just to get out of the house”.
“We don’t intend on ramping things up until we know for sure when we are going to play,” he said.
“Logistics and restrictions are very difficult to manage.”
Adelaide Footy League chief executive John Kernahan said the competition, which features Trinity Old Scholars, is targeting July 4 for its round one, providing crowds will be unrestricted.
“Clearly the ability to trade with food and beverage is a key pillar to be able to have clubs field teams in their communities,” he said.
“We are eagerly waiting for any announcements from Premier Steven Marshall on June 8 that will allow us to resume some semblance of a sustainable and viable competition.”
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