LIKE many people The Standard's journalists are grateful the coronavirus-enforced sporting hiatus is slowly coming to an end.
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Our sports reporters Justine McCullagh-Beasy, Nick Ansell and Sean Hardeman are eager to talk sport via The Commentary Box.
JUSTINE: Another one bites the dust. The VFL was forced to abandon its 2020 season this week following Melbourne's COVID-19 battle. It's a sad situation for those clubs and players, some of whom would've wanted to impress AFL scouts. There is still a glimmer of hope for the NAB League with the AFL determined in some form or another to get the statewide under 18 program up and running in some capacity. We have a lot of players - male and female - from our region in the GWV Rebels' program. Some would have AFL aspirations and others would have just wanted to test themselves against the best players in their age group. How important do you think it is to get NAB League games in this season?
SEAN: I feel it's imperative for Victorian youngsters who want to impress. Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia are all running their state leagues and the talent in those competitions will have chances to show their worth to AFL recruiters. The AFL draft can be shifted and it should be to allow NAB League footballers a chance to get some season in and impress enough to be considered for drafting.
NICK: I think it's vital but one of the excellent things we've seen over the past decade or so is that the NAB League isn't the be and end all for youngsters, so those who might miss out on game time can still crack the elite level. It's the number one pathway for young talent but the encouraging thing for young players is mature-age players are getting a shot. Rowan Marshall is an example. Played at the Rebels, wasn't drafted, went to the VFL to mature and is now arguably one of the AFL's top ruckmen. Do you think we'll see a shift to more mature age recruiting in future?
Listen to this week's The Main Break podcast with Carlton development coach Dan O'Keefe:
JUSTINE: I think it will ebb and flow, as it currently does. Clubs aren't afraid to go mature-age players as they can generally have an immediate impact, given their bodies are used to the wear-and-tear of senior football. There was a feel-good story on the weekend, probably lost amid the COVID-19 chaos, with Richmond giving 26-year-old Jake Aarts a debut. He spent six years in the VFL, with Bendigo Gold and then the Tigers, before earning his chance at AFL level. He then had to wait a season before he was given his Tiger stripes. It's a great story of persistence and one which could inspire players impacted by the pandemic.
NICK: Definitely a feel-good story and shows persistence can trump all else. I think one of the major benefits of the NAB League system is that it gets players thinking about the transition from country or community footy to professional footy. That's certainly going to be a key reason to get it back.
SEAN: It has been another interesting week in the AFL world too. All Victorian teams are now up north in Queensland and New South Wales and are settling into life in a hub either on the Gold Coast, Noosa and Sydney. The new holding the ball interpretation was noticeable and Brisbane, with our own south-west export in Hugh McCluggage in top form, is flying! What did you guys make of the crazy week?
NICK: Very crazy mate. We had an insight into that after speaking to Carlton development coach and Warrnambool export Dan O'Keefe, who flew up to the Gold Coast with the Blues on Sunday. Only one family - Levi Casboult's - has travelled up. Carlton is really optimistic about what it will bring. Lots of bonding and golf to keep the guys busy. Don't get me started on umpires! Haha I have the utmost respect for them and all they do because they have a rough job.
JUSTINE: Likewise when we spoke to Western Bulldogs' Easton Wood. The Dogs, who are starting to find some enviable form, are embracing the uncertain nature of this season. I think that is the way to be - the alternative wouldn't bode well for players, clubs or supporters. It might be a season where a young list, free of responsibility, thrives. I, for one, am glad the AFL has done everything in its power to keep the season going amid Melbourne's COVID-19 spike. Talk of canning it because it's too hard neglects the fact the industry isn't just about the players - it keeps thousands of people in a job and brings happiness to millions who might otherwise be struggling. There might be long-term benefits too - more games and teams in rugby league markets like Queensland and New South Wales might attract new fans.
SEAN: I agree! It doesn't hurt for the Victorian teams to go out to these places and possibly turn some neutral fans into supporters and then possibly interstate members. The AFL is always looking for opportunities to grow the game and this is a perfect one. The improved Gold Coast and Brisbane have made a good start to the growth this year and the presence of Victorian clubs in NRL heartlands may sway people to the sport. It will also make things interesting being on neutral grounds. I feel this year's premiers could be a left-field side that comes from nowhere.