Mt Barker Football Club “It’s not all about the money”

Mt Barker, one of two Great Southern Football League clubs that will resume training next week, believes a football season this year is essential citing the social aspect around the sport as far more important than the financial costings. The Bulls along with Albany confirmed they will begin training under strict conditions released this week from the WA Football Commission, with community football training to resume from Monday. Bulls president Dean Wallinger said his club was eager to get back training and get a season in. “It’s not about the money it’s more about the social aspect,” Wallinger said. “We are pretty positive some sort of season can go ahead, we will start training next week. “It’s the benefits of town and club to get back into it.” Sharks will also return to training next week, president Tracy Blaszkow confirmed. “The Sharks are looking forward to resuming training as soon as we can next week,” she said. “We are currently in the process of ensuring we are following all the return to training protocols as set by the WAFC. “We are very keen to play. It will be a different season but one we need to embrace to allow our players to engage in community sport and being part of a club again. “Our players enjoy the involvement of a crowd.” Four clubs, Royals, Railways, North Albany and Denmark-Walpole will wait until next Wednesday’s critical GSFL meeting involving all six clubs for further information before they resume training. Royals president Adam Powell said his club would not start training before that league meeting. “We will wait for clarification before we start training,” Powell said. “We could possibly start training next Friday in smaller groups. “Financially there is a lot of questions and it’s unknown. “We are not relying on cost but it is a big player.” Railways president Andrew Want said his club was also playing the waiting game. “We have a committee meeting tonight to discuss what we are going to do and then wait for next Wednesday’s presidents meeting,” Want said. “We won’t start training before next Wednesday. “We wouldn’t support a season without crowds but we will wait and listen to what the league have to say.” North Albany president Russell Hare said his club would not support a season without crowds. “We are not keen to play without crowds,” he said. “We had a meeting (last night) with our on-field committee to discuss our plan this season and when will resume training. “If we think we are going to play, we will definitely start training within the next fortnight.” Denmark-Walpole president Kim Barrow said his club was in the throes of deciding their next move. “We are still digesting protocols for training and awaiting a more definite way forward for the season,” Barrow said. “We can’t afford a season without crowds supporting a gate, a canteen and bar. “I think the players would love some sort of season. “The club would rather see a year of consolidation, after last season without a home ground for most of the year.” A large part of the debate has mostly been around crowd restrictions. GSFL president Joe Burton believes next Wednesday night’s meeting will ultimately determine the fate of the season.