Football’s short-lived return well-received

JUNIOR footballers played their final match at the weekend, with tightening restrictions in regional Victoria forcing the season to end.

AFL Barwon announced on Tuesday that the state government’s reintroduction of Stage 3 restrictions meant the sporting organisation had “no other choice” but to cancel the remainder of the season.

Nevertheless, footballs short-lived return was viewed positively by many.

Modewarre Football Club vice-chairman Michael Fitzgerald said it was “an absolute understatement” to say the players benefited from getting the chance to play.

“It’s just something that they needed, not just the physical activity, it’s just the mateship and the camaraderie and the social aspect of it. That’s what sporting clubs are about, the games almost a bi-product of what we do.”

Torquay Tigers junior manager Dean Goodear agreed the game itself had not been the most important aspect of the return to play.

“It’s the social side of football more than the football itself.

“I gauge from my own kids’ perspectives, it’s enormous just to be able to have that outlet when we’re putting so many restrictions on them in other areas of life.”

For all the age groups above Under 11, the first two games of the season had been grading matches, and therefore the weekend’s fixture was the first round of the home and away season.

In the Under 17 Division 1 Torquay Papworth gave an excellent performance to defeat Geelong Ammos Kelly 95-28.

In Division 2 Modewarre played well but were narrowly defeated by Drysdale Hawks 42-38.

Division 3 saw Anglesea defeated Torquay Jones 61-32. Torquay threatened to close the divide in a strong second quarter, but they struggled for accuracy in front of goal, as they kicked six points and no goals for the quarter, while Anglesea simply kicked one goal.

The Under 15 Divisions saw Surf Coast teams involved in several close-fought games.

In Division 1 Torquay Dunstan were unable to hold onto a 22-point lead at half-time, as Newtown & Chilwell Morrissy fought back to win 58-52.

Division 2 saw Torquay Scott defeated in similar circumstances, as Bell Park came from behind to win 60-53.

In Division 3 Anglesea beating Portarlington 55-46. Portarlington did brilliantly to lead at three-quarter time after a torrid first quarter, but Anglesea rallied in the final minutes to secure the victory.

Division 4 featured another excellent comeback, as Modewarre defeated South Barwon Brebner 53-34. South Barwon had led 21-8 after the first quarter but Modewarre then kept them from scoring again until the final quarter as they built themselves a healthy lead.

Both Fitzgerald and Goodear said while there was a lot of work involved in ensuring they were following protocol, there had been plenty of parents eager to volunteer so their children could enjoy their football in a safe environment.