EDFL 2020: Burnside Heights boss explains why season should go ahead
A candid EDFL club boss has explained why it is not the right time to rule a line through this season, declaring he had been “shell-shocked” by calls to cancel the 2020 campaign.
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Burnside Heights president Justin Peagram says he was left “shell-shocked” after a string of rival EDFL club bosses declared the 2020 campaign should not go ahead amid the coronavirus crisis.
Peagram said he understood the health and financial concerns held by several club presidents but added the time to rule a line through the season had not yet arrived.
It is becoming increasingly likely Cricket Victoria will approve AFL Victoria’s request to extend the football season into October, should it proceed, which means Round 1 could be staged on the last Saturday in July or first week of August.
“I know there are a lot of hurdles we need to cover off, but you’d think the primary focus would be to play football and do what we have to do,” Peagram said.
“If a roadblock comes up, then deal with it, but there’s no use giving up the ghost yet.
“The community aspect of it … you take an outlet away from people – some people can cope and others may struggle.
“Our club has 400 members or players and some of them may not be coping too well at the moment because they’re not catching up with their mates, they’re not doing that exercise or team activity and they’re not having that laugh.
“Everyone’s got pressures at home … and footy’s an outlet to get away from it all for a couple of hours.
“That’s where we think community footy has its biggest benefits.”
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Glenroy’s Murray Nilsson, Strathmore’s John Elliott and West Coburg’s David Gloury are among the EDFL club presidents opposed to the season going ahead.
The possibility of no crowds at games would present significant financial hurdles for several clubs given it costs about $5000 a week to field senior men’s, women’s and junior sides, excluding player payments.
But there is a possibility gatherings of 100 will be allowed by July as part of the State Government’s gradual easing of restrictions.
Peagram said it was premature to call for the season to be cancelled while uncertainty remained over the presence of crowds.
“Until (the issues) come into play, why are we worrying about it?” he said.
“Let’s plan ahead on the basis something will happen. If it gets to the point where it can’t happen, we’ll deal with it then.”
AFL Victoria has given clubs the green light resume training from Monday, with two groups of 10 players allowed on an oval at one time.
The initial hurdles has led to frustration and confusion for some clubs but it is only a first step.
Peagram said club volunteers also needed to work harder to ensure a season.
“I understand the concerns from the health aspect, and we’re 100 per cent behind that,” he said.
“As a volunteer and a committee member, there’s a lot thrown on us and there’s a lot of work to do, but if we want a season we’ve got to go the extra mile as well.
“Our junior coaches are prepared to do it, I’ve had parents contacting me asking what they can do. I don’t think my club is alone in that.
“I reckon there will be a lot of people who will go that extra mile to get footy up and running this year.”
Peagram said he expected the EDFL to assist clubs under financial strain.
Jacana and Keilor Park have faced challenges on and off field in recent years, forcing them into recess.
“They’re not going to make a club fall over because of affiliation fees,” Peagram said.
“The leagues can’t waive fees for every club, but we’d expect some reductions.”
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