LAKE Albert coach Mitch Tinnock says players will be prepared to do whatever it takes to salvage a season, and hopes their squad depth will give them an edge in a jam-packed schedule.
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Football Wagga may schedule some midweek games in order to play as many matches as possible once the season starts, hopefully on July 18 once coronavirus restrictions ease further at the end of June.
The Sharks, who lost last year's Pascoe Cup grand final to Hanwood 2-1 in extra time, will look to go one better without key midfielder and reigning player of the year Ben Matthews, who has moved to Adelaide for university.
But after they won second grade last year Tinnock hopes that depth, plus limited player turnover, will give them an advantage.
"No one wants to scrap the season. Everyone wants to play no matter what, even if it's only half a season," Tinnock said.
"I think the teams that are more settled (with player personnel) might do well, which I'm hoping may help us. We've got a pretty settled team.
"We'd be happy to play midweek games. it could be cool for one season to have a few midweeks here or there.
"We've got a pretty solid squad, we've got second grade players who can step up as well without making too much difference to the quality we put out on the park.
"You'd think some of the sides with new coaches and a bit of player turnover could take a few weeks to get going.
"But that could also work in their favour with younger players who could be a bit fitter than us."
Tinnock said the club is also happy to play games outside of Wagga later in the season, should ground availability become an issue when cricket season draws near.
"Obviously our preference is to play in Wagga, but it's special circumstances and we'll do what we have to do," he said.
The loss of key creator Matthews is a big hole to fill for the Sharks, with veteran Justin Curran expected to slot into the midfield in his return to the club after spending last season with Wagga City Wanderers.
"It (return to training) is pretty exciting," he Tinnock said.
"Whether it's just in groups of ten, the boys are extremely keen to run around and have a chat. We obviously haven't had much contact lately other than our Messenger group."
Football NSW was scheduled to hold a webinar presentation on Tuesday night, which included walking clubs, coaches and players through the guidelines they need to adhere to, and some coaching tips and information.
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