Hawks hoping for action
- Updated: March 19, 2020
Drysdale co-coach Luke Matthews. (krockfootball.com.au Image/Al Packer)
DRYSDALE co-coach Luke Matthews says local coaches will have to “think outside the box” as they attempt to keep their players motivated following the postponement of local football due to the COVID-19 threat.
At this stage, no matches or organised training can be held by clubs until at least May 31.
“A lot of it’s been taken out of our hands; it seems like it’s going to get worst before it gets better,” Matthews said.
“The priority with the playing group is their health and safety and wellbeing mentally.
“There are so many factors. Guys have got all different types of work, some guys have got kids, mortgages.”
GDFL: MENTAL HEALTH CRUCIAL – SMITH
Matthews said the Hawks are planning to meet on Thursday night where they’ll be addressed by president David Walder, who is also a doctor.
“He wants to do a presentation – a bit of an information session to everyone,” Matthews said.
“We’ll know a bit more (tonight), and we’ll take it from there.
“We don’t want to put plans in place that jeopardise players health and safety, their interest levels, and their motivation.
“Plus, it’s a day-to-day thing at the moment; things just keep changing.”
Matthews is among several coaches who believe the season should only go ahead if each team can play the rest of the competition once.
That would mean at least nine rounds in the BFL before finals.
“I think that’s going to be the best-case scenario; I’m happy with that,” Matthews said.
“It’s out of our hands – we’ve just got to deal with it as best we can.
“If we can play some footy later in the year, it would be fantastic.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
