AS we move from lockdown to some sort of normality in our lives, expectations are starting to grow among the community.
Next week will be another step forward as schools across Victoria start welcoming back prep, year one, two, 11 and 12 students to the classroom in a staggered approach which will see all primary and secondary schools back in their traditional learning environments before the end of term two.
This, along with the relaxing of social distancing laws across the state, has brought about renewed optimism.
It lifts everyone’s spirits and brings with it hope moving forward.
But while, as a nation, we have taken some tentative steps forward, by no means should we become complacent and we need to continue adhering to the advice of government and health officials.
Next week will see football and netball clubs return to training, but under strict guidelines.
Footy clubs will not be permitted to have more than two groups of 10 players training at the one venue at any time.
They will also be required to practice social distancing, club rooms will remain shut and there will be no physical contact.
Again this is another positive, but is it achieving anything?
It’s great for the players to get back out on the track and have kick, while enjoying the social reconnection with their teammates, but what are the chances of the season in the SFNL and MFL going ahead?
For what it’s worth, my opinion is there’s absolutely no chance we will play in 2020.
I think everyone is in agreement that unless a minimum of 500 people can attend matches, it’s stupid to even consider playing – the financial burden would be too much for clubs to bare.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s great we are even having a debate around playing, a few weeks ago I think most of us were resigned to fact 2020 was a write off and we needed to start looking forward to next year.
But we’ve all found out over the past couple of months, COVDIC-19 is anything but predictable.
And because of the uncertainty around the coronavirus, it makes it extremely difficult for sporting codes to plan too far ahead.
There has been plenty of criticism targeted at AFL Victoria for a lack of clarity on a number of issues, but in their defence, they are making decisions after receiving the relevant direction from health and government bodies.
I’m sure they would love to be able to provide a clear pathway for the return to football across the state, but that is not as simple as it sounds.
Not only are they dealing with hundreds of different leagues and clubs across Victoria, they are also having to wait for advice from the relevant health and government departments before they can provide direction on anything.
I’ve certainly been critical of head office in the past, but in this situation they need to be cut a little bit of slack.
What a responsibility they carry.
In some ways they’re damned if they do and they’re damned if they don’t.
Really, the decision to play or not to play in 2020 simply comes down to each league.
In Sunraysia, the SFNL has said “no crowds, no play”.
Realistically, what are the chances of the government lifting all social distancing restrictions before the end of year? If you listen to the professionals, pretty slim. If that’s the case, then put us all out of our misery and call the season off.
