ONLY three of the nine Mid South East Football League clubs resumed training this week, after the latest easing of COVID-19 restrictions allowed community teams to return to the park.
However, with strict protocols in place, training sessions are forced to abide by a list of regulations, to ensure the safety of those involved.
After a league discussion last week, coaches were given the information required to implement the new training format.
“I had a zoom meeting with them last Wednesday and they were still digesting a lot of the information and what needs to be done – all of those protocols,” MSEFL president Peter Mitchell told The Border Watch Tuesday afternoon.
“There is going to be a few who go back, but I know of at least a couple of clubs who are just going to wait for a couple of weeks and get everything sorted before they do.
“It is all dependent on what happens going to the next level, from level B to level C (restrictions).”
As a result only Mount Burr, Port MacDonnell and Tantanoola have had a taste of the modified training format so far, with the trio holding their first sessions on Tuesday night.
Demons coach Simon Merrett said while the future of the 2020 season remains uncertain, the camaraderie of even restricted training is something the club felt was necessary to bring back to “the Bay”.
“We felt as a club it was our responsibility to provide an environment for guys to catch up and kick a footy around,” he said.
“It is great for mental health.”
The Tigers are taking it fairly easy, with minimal numbers in their first session on Tuesday.
Coach Jak Ryan said they have opted to stick to one group of 10, plus coach, for an hour session each week until more updates are available.
Robe has also put things in motion, with the team completing a “light run” this week according to coach Cohen Pettit, before the Roosters return to the coop for training sessions as of next week.
Both Glencoe and Hatherleigh will also take a week to ease into the new style of training.
Murphies coach Frazer Scanlon confirmed the team would resume training next Tuesday, while the Eagles held a committee meeting Tuesday night to discuss protocols, with an expected return to training next week.
Reigning premier Kalangadoo will sit tight for now, with newly appointed coach Dylan Ayton stating the Magpies would hold out for any further changes to regulations.
“We are sticking to programs from home until restrictions are eased a bit more,” he said.
Further issues come into play for the team due to Ayton’s Victorian residence, as border restrictions do not appear set to be eased any time soon.
Nangwarry coach David Stratman said he remains in discussion with the club and it is unsure when the Saints will march back to the training track, but it will not be this week.
Also playing the cautious card is Kongorong, which is believed to be holding off on a return for now.
