Woodville-West Torrens coach Jade Sheedy backs local footy games to be played in November, December

Woodville-West Torrens coach Jade Sheedy has had his debut season on the job put on hold, but he reckons games should be played in summer if it means the season getting off the ground.

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First-year Woodville-West Torrens coach Jade Sheedy has backed games to be played as late as December if the SANFL season can be salvaged.

Sheedy said Central District, South Adelaide and West Adelaide had grounds which were free from cricket commitments and could host games into the summer.

“The AFL has floated the idea and it might be okay for us too,” Sheedy said.

“Hopefully we could have a season as late as November, December.

“Everyone is missing football and maybe we can still fit in a season, not just for the survival of the SANFL clubs, but for the supporters and families to get some footy.”

The former Sturt champion and 2002 Magarey Medallist took over the reins at the Eagles on a three-year deal, but his debut season has been put on hold following the decision to postpone the opening round because of the coronavirus.

The Eagles were to have hosted the Bulldogs, who had been keen to lure Sheedy to Elizabeth Oval, at Woodville Oval on Sunday.

Jade Sheedy was to coach the Eagles for the first time this weekend, but due to the shut down of the competition while the world battles coronavirus, he has instead returned to his work as a builder. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Instead of plotting the downfall of the Bulldogs, Sheedy’s priority has been the welfare of his players and staff.

He has also been able to devote more time to his home building business.

“What is going on at the moment is a long way above footy, people have lost their jobs, businesses are doing it tough,” Sheedy said.

“For me, it is about making sure all the players and staff are doing okay.

“I’m not really thinking about the footy season too much, it is more about the well being of the players and club.

“I call the players individually and keep in contact with the leadership group, making sure we stay in touch and mentally everyone is okay.

“With everything going on, I’ve not really thought about this week being when the first round was supposed to have been played. And with the footy club having no income stress, we have to do our bit to help.”

Planning has been difficult for Sheedy, although he said he had benefited significantly from a trial against reigning premier Glenelg the weekend before the season was delayed and training halted.

He said he had learnt plenty from the hitout and the game had exposed areas needing improvement.

“Glenelg is a really good side, well structured, and that taught me a little bit where we need to get to,” Sheedy said. “We had a solid pre-season and I felt the boys were in good shape to have a real crack.”