LEOPOLD coach Jason Tom has thrown his support behind AFL Barwon’s plans for a modified season, saying the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to entering a team.
Tom, who was appointed to his first senior coaching role in December, revealed “70-80 per cent” of his players have committed to taking part.
“Our committee has spoken about it and looked at the pros and cons, and they’re for it as well,” Tom said.
“And me as a coach and our coaching group are pretty excited by the idea.”
Tom said if the competition does get going, Leopold would be in to win it.
“Most of us play footy and are involved in footy clubs because we’re competitive – we like winning,” he said.
“You only have to go to a training session in pre-season and see the boys go against each other; they don’t like losing the 10m sprint.
“And to get back together on a Thursday night and have a meal. The development of our kids – the 19 and 20-year-olds who haven’t played much senior footy, they’d get an opportunity to do that.”
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The former star goal kicker, who retired after playing in Bannockburn’s premiership win last year, also believes it’s vital for the community to be able to watch their club in action.
“Obviously for it to go ahead we need a crowd of over 500,” Tom said.
“But imagine the community response if we get clubs coming together on the same day.
“You’ve only got to look at the TV ratings for the AFL to see how popular it is after we missed it.
“I think there are so many positives to come out of it.”
Tom, who is set to take the reins at Memorial Park in 2021, said a modified season provides an ideal launching pad for next year.
“It’s probably the beginning of our pre-season,” he said.
“And that’s probably the other aspect of it; if we don’t get this competitive fix, it’s another long pre-season until they can play competitively again.
“A 6-7 week competition, similar to a social basketball or soccer competition a lot of guys play in over summer, I think it’s got so many benefits as opposed to not playing.
Twitter: @tom_king79
