Damien Peverill reveals why re-signing with Therry Penola was a must
Therry Penola coach Damien Peverill was gutted when the VAFA season was called off and felt like he’d be wasting a year if he didn’t re-commit for the 2021 Division 1 season.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
After the 2020 season was cancelled, Therry Penola coach Damien Peverill said it felt like he would be letting the club down if he didn’t recommit for 2021.
The former Essendon midfielder was gutted when Melbourne’s COVID-19 second wave forced the VAFA to cancel the season in June.
Peverill took some time away to focus on his family and work commitments before re-committing to the Lions.
JOBS: LEADER’S LOCAL FOOTY COACHING BOARD
LEADER: GET YOUR VAFA FOOTY NEWS HERE
DIV 1: NOBS COACH HOPES ISO CAN STRENGTHEN BONDS
“With the way this season has gone I felt I needed to do it,” he said.
“This year has been a disaster, so if I didn’t commit for next year it felt like I wasn’t doing the right thing by myself or the club.
“To put so much time and effort into pre-season and get everyone ready for the season, it feels like a waste if you don’t come back.
“I haven’t thought a lot about footy – aside from watching Essendon play – it’s more been a focus on work and family and making sure everything’s OK on the home front.”
Peverill took the reins at JP Fawkner Reserve last season and enjoyed a solid debut campaign.
Therry Penola finish with season with an 11-7 record and missed Division 1 finals on percentage.
The club will now turn its attention to reconnecting with the playing list and making sure they’re coping with isolation.
“I think every club is doing it tough at the moment,” Peverill said.
“We’ve found ways to stick together, get a bit of player engagement even though we’re in lockdown.
“During the first lockdown we kept in regular contact with them, we had a Facebook page to keep track of their fitness and how they’re doing personally but once the second lockdown kicked in we left them to their own devices for a bit.
“I’m struggling with work and home schooling and no doubt they’re got their own struggles as well.”
Melbourne faces at least six weeks of lockdown before restrictions could be eased and pre-season planning will be guided by government, council and league protocols with Peverill hopeful of bringing his players back together in November.
“Priority one is reconnecting with everyone and getting the playing group to recommit,” Peverill said.