TACKLING COVID-19. SPORT ON HOLD

Sports postponed or cancelled. Plans thrown into disarray as Governments tackle a global pandemic in the Coronavirus strain of Covid-19.

My own plans for the East Coast Eagles Football Club that compete in the AFL Sydney Community Competition have been shelved as the virus situation has been met with new social distancing guidelines and a raft of state and federal advice that means many of our playing group are working from home or indeed losing employment whether their vocation is on the essential front line of jobs required to meet the situation head-on.

The past four weeks had been like watching dominoes tumble in slow motion as it became obvious that the Australia, although an Island, was going to be impacted as cases grew, particularly in Sydney.

I’m really proud of the preseason block that the Eagles coaching and playing group put together. The lightbulb moments during two trials really pointed that our shape and method was difficult to contend with if we could hold it together for long periods. I’m confident we can ace a mini preseason and shortened season should the Footy Gods decide to cede the impact of Covid-19 in the near future.

Despite our squad practising social distancing, the club has been proactive is sourcing a running program from Andrew Walker at Sports Norwest as well as a body weight exercise regime on standby should citizens be confined to each household.

Our club has quickly created a STRAVA club site as well as a specific Covid-19 facebook group that provides training updates and connection through some friendly banter.

I plan to challenge my coaching staff with some projects using our social media platforms that take each coach out of their comfort zone and requires communication that will evoke some pressure, and hopefully give the club an edge should we get to suit up in 2020.

In the meantime, I wish everyone the best as we face this ongoing health emergency. Stay safe and stay at home.