AFTER signing on as player-coach of the Kapunda Football Club during the offseason, Fraser Evans said the mood within the playing group is “pretty flat” after the Barossa Light and Gawler Football Association (BLGFA) season was officially postponed until at least May 31.
Due to COVID-19 concerns, and new rules implemented by State and Federal Governments, Aussie Rules clubs country-wide are facing unprecedented uncertainty about the 2020 season, and now sit in a strange holding pattern awaiting further instruction.
Evans is facing the difficult challenge of trying to balance empathy and assertiveness, and while he said he doesn’t believe he should be paid for the contract he signed if there is no footy, his commitment to the club is unwavering.
“There is so much uncertainty,” he said.
“Everyone is feeling a little bit disappointed with all the effort we put in and not getting a full season – it could be a waste if we don’t play any footy this year.
“We’ve told our players to sit tight, have a couple of weeks off, go for the occasional run and try and keep the base you’ve developed in the last few months somewhat maintained.
“But at the end of the day until we know what is going to happen, you can’t really expect too much of anyone.”
Evans highlighted the fact that, while it feels incredibly important to those involved, football is a small aspect of most players lives, and emphasised that the club’s priority is the health and wellbeing of players and their loved ones.
“I’m really conscious of treading carefully here as there is so much more going on,” he said.
“There are people who will probably lose their jobs, people who are worried about elderly members of their families and people who are vulnerable.
“So it’s really ‘guys if you are comfortable doing this and want to do this then please feel free to do a few of these sessions up until Easter’”.
While everyone’s safety comes first, Evans admitted that the thought of a condensed season taking place after May 31 still gets him excited and the competitive juices flowing.
“In the back of my mind I’m thinking if there’s still half a season to play, someone will be pinning a flag on their wall at the end of the year,” he said.
“Everyone wants to have their best crack at that, but it’s a balancing act.
“We are trying to be sensible and respectful to the situation.”