Hawks back in training
The Augusta Margaret River Hawks returned to training this week after the WA Football Commission granted the green light for non-contact training.
Footy’s back — but with certain conditions.
Teams cannot train in groups of more than 20, footballs are the only equipment allowed, and changerooms must remain closed.
The South West Football League is considering an early July start to a nine-round regular season, with each team playing each other once, but the Times understands clubs are uncertain as to whether the season will go ahead if crowds cannot attend matches.
The Hawks had appealed to the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to return to training this week with Shire president Ian Earl confirming training was allowed for all Hawks teams.
Club staff were instructed to undergo COVID-19 infection-control training, and all in attendance were required to sign a register to ensure compliance.
Hawks president Andrew Hunter said the club was complying with Government directions and he was pleased player training had started up.
“Our committee is monitoring all developments and will make decisions based on the interest of our club, its members and the Augusta-Margaret River community,” he said.
The Hawks also took the opportunity to present new co-captain Lincoln Adams who will join gun midfielder Mitch Lynn with key leadership duties.
Adams has starred for the Hawks in recent years and will return to the backline after a brief ankle injury last season kept him out for six weeks.
After more than two months between preseason training, coach Matthew Jamieson acknowledged the challenge.
“Tonight was obviously an adjustment with our first session back, but I think the boys handled it well and I have spoken to the leadership group about our focus being what’s in front of us not what is still not in place,” he said.
“We have some new recruits including former Subiaco premiership player Simon Moore and Kelvin Lawrence moving from South Bunbury. Kane LaFontaine also returns to the club after representing East Perth in the WAFL.”
May is fundraising month for the Hawks who are appealing to the football community for support ahead of a promising season on the field.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails