There isn’t a lot to report about the resumption of our season but the AFL is looking at many different options to get the season up and running when the health experts give us the go ahead. There is a strong commitment by all of us to get the season back underway as soon as possible.
You may have read recently that the AFL has secured a line of credit that clubs can access during these difficult times. Like most clubs, we are likely to have some short-term issues around our cash flow, and the AFL’s very good arrangement with financiers will allow us to work our way through these difficult times.
Our plan will be to work our way through this tight period as soon as possible. The planning and execution of our club’s goals over the past 20 years has seen us enjoy great success both on and off the field while also making significant contributions to our community. The continued support of our members will be so important.
Our football department has been nimble with our players and coaches separated - but in regular touch with each other. Our coaching, conditioning and development staff, led by Simon Lloyd and Chris Scott, talk to our players often. And so, even while apart, we continue to foster and develop relationships and provide training and educational opportunities.
We have seen some amazing acts of kindness during the recent events. Supporters signing up as members for the first time, and others confirming their on-going commitment to the club.
For membership, at this stage we are unable to determine what the impact will be on your memberships but the AFL and Clubs continue to discuss a range of options for members and please be assured we will communicate further in the coming weeks when the position becomes clearer.
Our current and past directors and benefactors are providing a meals program for staff who have been stood down. Several staff have worked on this project to bring it to life with over 600 meals provided through the week.
Our club’s community department is repackaging their programs so they will be available on-line to students at the start of term two. Our players remain at the heart of our community efforts, always willing to help. In the past week alone we have seen Joel Selwood, Rhys Stanley, Luke Dahlhaus, Jack Stevens, Quinton Narkle, Nakia Cockatoo, Nathan Krueger, Blake Schlensog, and Oscar Brownless engaging across our community using electronic technology.
Many past players have been in contact with the club over the past few weeks and offered assistance. It is great to see many of our past players talking in the media and club channels about their experiences as players, bringing joy to people through their recollections of their playing days.
These are testing times for everyone, but we are encouraged by the slowing of the spreading virus. We urge you to continue to follow the health protocols.
Like you, we cannot wait for the day when Joel Selwood leads the boys out for a big game. Be assured that we are working hard to make sure that we will be back stronger than ever, and we look forward to that day.
Colin Carter - President
Brian Cook - CEO
