Coach Steve Clark says the mental health of his players during the coronavirus lockdown comes before football
Queenscliff Football and Netball club coaching staff have switched their focus from potential flags to protecting the mental health of players, as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Players had been training since last November in readiness for Bellarine league round one matches this month.
Instead all games have been put on hold until the end of May, with the very real possibility of the season being scrapped altogether.
“It’s really disappointing obviously, but there are more important things to worry about,” said senior football coach Steve Clark.
“We’ve just basically said to the players to do what you've got to do and we’ll be back in contact in a couple of weeks when we have a better idea from AFL Barwon about what’s going on.
“There’s just so much going through players' heads at the moment with family and jobs.
“We’re keeping in contact through Facebook chats, and my message to them is it’s okay for them to feel how they want to feel and not worry about footy at the moment,” Clark said.
"It’s important that they look after themselves and most importantly, stay connected and not shut themselves off.”
AFL Barwon said it had taken advice from the AFL, Netball Victoria, governments and health authorities in closing down all games, social activities and club gatherings.
“This unprecedented situation has presented challenges for everyone, and we want to thank our clubs for being proactive on this issue and know that will continue,” the league said.
“The safety and welfare of our players, volunteers, officials and their families remains our number one priority.”
The move is set to deliver a massive financial blow to country clubs, with fears some could fold.
In recent days, despite the turmoil, the club announced key sponsorships with Searoad Ferries and Sencia.
“Our club president Rowan Martin has been terrific in keeping a sense of calm and that’s really important,” said Clark.
“We’ll be one hundred per cent ready to go if play does start, I’ll be making sure everything is right in the background along with other coaches.
"There’s going to be plenty of time for our players to get fit and turn their legs over, but every other team is in the same boat.
“Some players are going for a run, some had been going to the gym and others aren’t doing that and I just want them to know that’s okay.
"They’re allowed to feel how they want to feel, football takes a back seat. It’s more about them staying connected and focussing on what really matters,” he said.
Players had been training since last November in readiness for Bellarine league round one matches this month.
Instead all games have been put on hold until the end of May, with the very real possibility of the season being scrapped altogether.
“It’s really disappointing obviously, but there are more important things to worry about,” said senior football coach Steve Clark.
“We’ve just basically said to the players to do what you've got to do and we’ll be back in contact in a couple of weeks when we have a better idea from AFL Barwon about what’s going on.
“There’s just so much going through players' heads at the moment with family and jobs.
“We’re keeping in contact through Facebook chats, and my message to them is it’s okay for them to feel how they want to feel and not worry about footy at the moment,” Clark said.
"It’s important that they look after themselves and most importantly, stay connected and not shut themselves off.”
AFL Barwon said it had taken advice from the AFL, Netball Victoria, governments and health authorities in closing down all games, social activities and club gatherings.
“This unprecedented situation has presented challenges for everyone, and we want to thank our clubs for being proactive on this issue and know that will continue,” the league said.
“The safety and welfare of our players, volunteers, officials and their families remains our number one priority.”
The move is set to deliver a massive financial blow to country clubs, with fears some could fold.
In recent days, despite the turmoil, the club announced key sponsorships with Searoad Ferries and Sencia.
“Our club president Rowan Martin has been terrific in keeping a sense of calm and that’s really important,” said Clark.
“We’ll be one hundred per cent ready to go if play does start, I’ll be making sure everything is right in the background along with other coaches.
"There’s going to be plenty of time for our players to get fit and turn their legs over, but every other team is in the same boat.
“Some players are going for a run, some had been going to the gym and others aren’t doing that and I just want them to know that’s okay.
"They’re allowed to feel how they want to feel, football takes a back seat. It’s more about them staying connected and focussing on what really matters,” he said.