East Geelong returns to the field after the death of reserves coach Craig Carey

It has been a tough two weeks as East Geelong has regrouped following the death of reserves coach Craig ‘Doc’ Carey. But the Eagles are steadily getting back into a rhythm.

Nothing is normal at East Geelong as it continues to regroup following the death of beloved reserves coach Craig ‘Doc’ Carey but the Eagles playing group has attempted to ease back into “regular rhythm” ahead of a return to the field.

A much-loved figure at Richmond Oval, Carey died on June 7 at a training session at Eastern Beach after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Craig Carey coaching in 2019. Picture: Alan Barber

The Eagles held an optional training session two days after Carey’s death with a counsellor at the club and head coach Ben Boseley said a number of past players and figures have come through the doors to do what they can to help.

After a bye last weekend, East Geelong has to get back on the field on Saturday against Winchelsea and Boseley said he tried to return to a normal game preparation as soon as possible.

Longstanding club figure Maurice Stevenson will take on the role of reserves coach.

“It was important to get back to our regular rhythm as quick as possible at training,” he said.

“We have done that as normal this week, we have been sensitive to players to try and understand where they are at but at the same time we have got to get back in rhythm really quickly.”

Boseley and the East Geelong leaders have been constantly communicating with players to see how they are holding up and he said the club had “galvanised” quickly to help each other.

East Geelong coach Ben Boseley Picture: Mark Wilson

He said he had no idea how the grief of Carey’s passing may impact the club on-field.

“We will find out in days and weeks to come how everyone is working through it,” he said.

“The club in general has really risen and we know we are in a good place because we are all doing it together. It has been an amazing place the last two weeks.

“We are doing this together and we have tried to provide those connection points and people have come (to the club). We are on the right path I think.”

Carey’s reserves side sits undefeated on top of the ladder, while the seniors are well-placed for a finals run and in third spot on the GDFL table.

However far the teams go this season, they will carry Carey’s memory.

“We are not shying away from this, we have got to talk about Doc,” he said.

“Part of his legacy remains within us every day and every moment and he is part of our group.”

Originally published as East Geelong returns to the field after the death of reserves coach Craig Carey