Old Paradians hope pre-lockdown training sessions can attract recruits
VAFA club Old Paradians had several prospective recruits training with the club following the Northern league’s decision to cancel its season and hopes the experience brings them back in 2021.
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The Northern Football League’s shock decision to cancel its season early could help VAFA club Old Paradians secure key recruits.
Paradians had several players from NFL clubs train with them when it looked like the VAFA season was going to start, before Melbourne’s second lockdown arrived.
A significant salary cap cut in rival metropolitan leagues could also assist lower tier clubs secure fresh talent.
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Re-signed coach Phil Plunkett hopes the players that did get a taste for life at the Bundoora-based club and return in 2021.
“We had a lot of guys come and train with us when the Northern league stopped,” he said.
“I’m hoping some of that ground work, players saw what the club was about and how well it was run, they might come down and get involved next year.
“If we get two or three of them it was worthwhile.
“Some players might say ‘hang on I’ve got to work now’ and football might not be their top priority but think I still want to play with my mates in the VAFA.”
Plunkett, reserves coach Steve Krstevski and under-19 mentor Paul Gregor have all re-committed for next season.
Old Paradians will compete in Division 2 in 2021 after being relegated last season.
The club secured two wins in a rebuilding year as Plunkett took the coaching reins for the first time.
The four-time premiership coach with Heidelberg and Bundoora hasn’t let the cancelled season stop him from preparing.
“It’s funny, you look at things and write bits down,” he said.
“One of the things I’ve been aware of watching the AFL is do we start pre-season a bit earlier and not build up as quick.
“All these hamstrings, it’ll be 18 months since anyone played and by the time we get into pre-season do we need to ease into it.
“You’re probably never off the clock to be honest, you don’t do it if you’re not.”
Plunkett is now in the process of assessing his list and talking to players ahead of next season.
“When we were doing a pre-season and it looked like we might go ahead I was bombarding them with information and making sure they were running,” he said.
“The last four weeks I’ve eased off and allowed them to refresh and regroup.
“I expect the hunger for football will be greater, so hopefully that holds us in good stead.”