WRFL Division 1: Coach Adam Contessa says Sunshine is in ‘good position’
Amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, Sunshine coach Adam Contessa explains why he is expecting minimal changes in his senior squad for the 2021 WRFL season.
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Sunshine coach Adam Contessa concedes it is difficult to map out the path forward amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus crisis.
But the former AFL player believes the Kangaroos are in a strong position to retain their senior players given their list profile.
Sunshine contested the 2017 Western Region Football League Division 1 decider but has missed finals the past two years as it undergoes a changing of the guard.
Clubs have turned their attention to re-signing their existing players for 2021 after the season was canned but salary cap figures have not been ratified.
Player payments are set to be cut to $100,000 in top-flight competitions from next season as clubs look to regain their financial footing.
“The one positive where we sit is that we’ve got a really young group,” said Contessa, who has recommitted for next year.
“We’ve got a couple of guys who are pushing around the 30 mark and I think we’ve got one guy over 30. We’re not in a position where four or five elder statesmen are looking at thinking that might have been their last year and not knowing if they’ll go again.
“In terms of retention, I think we’re in a really good position with that age demographic.
“(It’s hard) not knowing what is going to happen with other leagues going forward, potential players being available and what it’s all going to look like.
“But I think we’re in a good position with retention. At these times, you don’t want to be losing five or six blokes who think they’re a bit long in the tooth and will retire. Then you’ve got to replace them to get back to square one.”
Star midfielder Ryan Jackson is the only player over 30 in a young senior group.
Jackson signed on with the Kangaroos last December as a playing assistant coach after a stint at Hurstbridge and brings ample experience, with his career taking in three seasons at Collingwood in the AFL, along with time in the VFL and WAFL.
“He runs his own gym, and he’s one of these guys who’s in a tough position with the closures,” Contessa said.
“But I know he loves footy and wants to keep playing.
“This is just a little speed hump I suppose, but he’s one guy who’s super fit and a bit of time off might just help refresh his body even more.”
Former Geelong rookie Jock Cornell – a member of the famous Daniher clan — also put pen to paper with the Kangaroos last off-season.
They have, however, lost former VFL Fabian Brancatisano to EDFL club East Keilor.
Contessa said some players may favour working on weekends in future after the financial impact of coronavirus.
“It depends where everyone is at,” he said.
“Some blokes may have lost their normal job but can get some weekend work, so it makes sense to do that.”
Contessa joins rival Division 1 coaches Anthony Eames (Spotswood) and Steve Kretiuk (Hoppers Crossing) in re-signing for next season.
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