Why footy clubs can still be vital during coronavirus enforced isolation
Two of the Northern Football League’s most respected players believe football clubs can continue to play a critical role in helping the community through the coronavirus enforced isolation.
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Two of the Northern Football League’s most respected figures have urged their fellow players to remain in regular contact with their clubs and teammates as the impact of social isolation starts to bite.
Bundoora’s Matt Dennis and Greensborough’s Tom Bell said football clubs could continue to be releases for players despite not being able to train or physically interact.
Mental health is expected to be one of the major issues as the ongoing coronavirus shutdown deepens.
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Bell, the reigning NFL Division 1 league best-and-fairest, understands the loss of football after being delisted by Brisbane Lions in 2018.
The former Carlton and Lions midfielder said losing the weekly release of football was just as hard at local level as at AFL level.
“Footy for a lot of local players is their life, it’s their one escape,” Bell said.
“It’s disappointing and a frustrating time but you’ve got to put your health, your family and your livelihood first.
“I’ve spoken to Clarky (Greensborough captain Chris Clark) pretty regularly over this period we’ve been shut out and not been able to train. I have been talking to the players a bit more about how it’s all unfolding and how they’re feeling.
“I think it’s not only vital in a football club sense to talk to your mates but also crucial to touch base with your family because it’s complete uncertainty.”
Dennis, a three-time Rosbrook Medalist and NFL representative captain, said remaining in contact was an important part of coping with the shutdown.
“A lot of blokes spend a lot of time around the footy club, like I do, and it does take a toll not being around your mates and for a lot of people footy is a release,” he said.
“We’re going to have blokes take a step back from footy and then if work slows down, there’s going to be a lot of young kids with not a lot of support around them.
“It’s obviously something that we’ve never experienced before, so we’re just trying to keep everyone positive and fit and healthy.
“I think the main thing is keeping going when we’re not playing because it can be hard to stay motivated at times.”
The NFL season was due to kick off next weekend but was put on hold on March 17.
Following the AFL’s decision to suspend its season, the NFL – as one of Melbourne’s six major metropolitan leagues – pushed back its potential start date to May 31.
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