Southport Sharks players and coaches reveal selfless act amid NEAFL cancellation

Southport Sharks coaches and players were prepared to make an incredible sacrifice to play before the AFL opted to abandon the NEAFL competition for 2020.

SOUTHPORT Sharks coaches were prepared to work without pay before finding out the NEAFL competition had been abandoned for 2020.

In an incredible sacrifice, the selfless senior coaches of the Sharks, including Stephen Daniel, Matt Lappin and Matthew Primus, agreed they would forego any payments if it helped the club get through the season.

Football manager Jarrod Field and the players were also willing to do whatever was needed to get the team playing.

Grand final of the 2018 NEAFL between the Southport Sharks and the Sydney Swans at Fankhauser Reserve, Southport, on Sunday. Southport Sharks coach Stephen Daniel celebrates with captains, Andrew Boston and Seb (Sebastian) Tape Picture: Jerad Williams

The agreement occurred on Tuesday but it was ultimately taken out of their hands, with Sharks board deciding it wasn’t in their best interest to compete this year.

The AFL then announced on Wednesday it would not to proceed with the competition in 2020.

“It’s sad and im disappointed for the NEAFL competition,” Stephen Daniel said.

“We were asked as a coaching group whether we would volunteer our services without pay with a format the NEAFL had to all the sides and we agreed to do it.

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“At the end of the day Southport has been really good for me so I was just happy to do whatever they wanted me to do.

“I just love football so I just wanted to see some football.”

In a statement the AFL said the challenge to get the competition going amid COVID-19 was too great.

NEAFL practice game between Southport Sharks and Redland at Fankhauser Reserve..(Photo Steve Holland)

AFL Head Talent and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the difficult decision was made following close consultation with all NEAFL clubs and after multiple scenarios were considered to get a season away.

“All levels of the game across the country have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and we acknowledge this is very disappointing news for the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of the NEAFL Competition,” Salter said.

“This has been a very difficult yet necessary decision we have had to make and want to commend each NEAFL club who has worked towards ensuring a united approach to the outcome of the 2020 NEAFL Season.

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“With four of the nine NEAFL clubs affiliated to an AFL club, we explored many scenarios as to how we could still proceed with a condensed season in a non-traditional format. “Ultimately it provided too great a challenge for all involved.”

The AFL is currently working with AFL NSWACT and AFL Queensland on how to best support all players, coaches and officials impacted by this outcome and how to support their involvement in the game in 2020.

“The health and welfare of everyone in the NEAFL competition is paramount and we will work towards ensuring that while there is no NEAFL season being played they can still be involved in the game,” Mr Salter said.