TORQUAY will use a modified season to continue the development of its batch of talented youngsters according to coach Dom Gleeson.
The Tigers players and coaches have thrown their support behind AFL Barwon developing a concept for a series of games to replace the cancelled home-and-away season through August and September.
Gleeson, who at age 36 is unlikely to pull on the boots himself, said the feedback he was getting from his players was that they were keen to play.
“I just put a post up on our Facebook players group and I got a quick response from 30 guys, and the average age of those 30 guys – taking out Roscoe Holmes, who wants to play every game – would probably be 22, 23, 24.
“I would really like to give them an opportunity to play and to show their wares.
“(Now) we have to get the support of the committee.”
GFL: LIONS “EXCITED” FOR MODIFIED SEASON
Gleeson said the prospect of the Tigers, who finished runner-up in the BFL in 2019, testing themselves against GFL clubs was also a lure.
“(But) I do feel like it might be throwing our kids to the wolves a little bit,” he said.
“Even us at full-strength, I wouldn’t expect we’d compete against nearly every side, to be honest. I think the GFL is a different conversation.
“But, if there’s an age limit, I’m open to it.
“I don’t think AFL Barwon would throw us to the wolves like that.”
While Gleeson has put a line through featuring in the shortened season himself, the reigning Ash medallist hasn’t ruled out extending his stellar playing career into 2021.
“I’ll be 37 and hopefully the year off will do me good,” he said.
“But, as I’ve always said, if there are kids that are pushing me out of the team, I will step aside.
“I welcome that.”
A decision on whether he will coach Torquay is yet to be made.
“I’ve spoken to the committee, and all signals are saying yes,” Gleeson said.
“I think there’ll be some committee meetings to say “yes, (it’s) me”.
“Then I’ve got to sit down with my family, who have been really supportive.
“But they’re becoming more and more active in their sports with tennis and footy as well. I need to get the support of (wife) Erin.
“But I do love coaching, and I do love footy, so at this stage, I’d like to continue to coach.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
