EDFL: Hadfield coach Brett Pitts keen to carry momentum into 2021
EDFL outfit Hadfield was tipped to climb the ladder in 2021 after a fruitful off-season of recruiting before the coronavirus crisis hit. Coach Brett Pitts gives an update on the Hawks’ list and his own playing future.
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Hadfield claimed more victories than the previous three seasons combined in 2019.
While the club’s 4-11 win-loss record in Essendon District Football League Division 2 left it in seventh position at season’s end, it marked significant progress.
The Hawks then landed a long list of signings in the lead up to the 2020 campaign and were tipped to climb the ladder.
But the coronavirus crisis has put Hadfield’s push to contest finals and eradicate the memories of a barren period on hold.
“The frustrating thing is that we did so much hard work to get ourselves in a position this year where I thought we were going to be right in contention hopefully at the pointy end of the year,” said coach Brett Pitts, who has re-signed for next season.
“To have that taken away after one practice match is pretty disappointing and I know the boys were disappointed as well.
“When we had that little period where we thought we might get a season, our boys were really keen.
“But talking to the boys that I have over the last month or so, most of them are keen for next year.”
Hadfield secured three players from neighbouring top-flight outfit Glenroy – Steve Golding, Tom McIntosh and Peter Di Cecco.
Scott Gilliland (Coburg Districts), Mark Sabatino (Northern Saints), Keegan Shrimpton (Oak Park), Nader Nasra (Roxburgh Park), Donovan Pell and Andrew Budge (both Yarragon) also arrived.
But uncertainty remains as AFL Victoria prepares to slash salary caps, while clubs are prevented from holding meetings with players because of coronavirus restrictions.
“Before all this happened, we were in a really, really good space as a group,” Pitts said.
“It was a new group, there was a lot of excitement and all of the recruits were jelling well. It was just a good place to be around.
“Obviously when I took the role a couple of years ago, there was a fair bit of work to be done to get it to that point. You could sense the excitement from the guys who had been there a few years about what was to come.
“From my point of view, I think we’ll be able to pick up where we left off.
“But in saying that, there will definitely be guys that might not come back, purely because of the (coronavirus) situation. Everyone’s having a year off and we may get a few that fall off.”
Pitts flagged that 2020 would be his last year as a player before the season was canned.
But he said the chance to “freshen up” opened the door to play on.
“I probably will commit to what I committed to this year, and that is to play and coach,” Pitts said.
“But if we’re in a position where I’m not really required to play and boys are stepping into those roles, then I’m more than happy to step back.”
Pitts said the Hawks would look to bolster their financial position through social events in coming months.
He said they would continue to plan “on and off the ground” for next year, while the senior players have been given programs to complete when possible.
“People are still pretty bullish about where the club’s at and where we’re going,” Pitts said.
“There’s a fair bit of excitement around the place for what lies ahead.”
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