Noble Park Bulls coach Shane Burgmann said the EFL’s decision to delay the season was fair, and his Division One team was ready and raring to play.By Glen Atwell
A FOOTBALL fanatic’s ultimate fear has finally been realised.
Every football league in Greater Dandenong has now delayed its season start.
Last week the Eastern Football League (EFL), home of the Noble Park Bulls, announced its Division One and Two competitions would not commence before 28 April.
Division Three and Four will kick into action on 21 April at the earliest.
The EFL joined the Southern Football League and Casey-Cardinia, which had already rescheduled their seasons to begin on 28 April.
EFL chief executive Rob Sharpe said the decision was not just about playing football in April, but ensuring that grounds would be useable later in the season.
“It is obvious that the state of many of our grounds means we are now concerned about how those grounds will cope with traffic and rain when it does eventuate,” he said.
“Delaying the season gives councils the chance to get their grounds back into shape after what has been a long, hot summer.”
The state of grounds means some senior teams will be forced to transfer home games to other venues.
“The home side will still have rights to gate takings and the catering, but it will involve plenty of support and communication from the tenant clubs,” Sharpe said.
The Bulls have yet to train on Pat Wright Oval and have so far paid their way through the pre-season.
Noble Park has trained on the Mentone Grammar oval – a paid privilege – twice a week for the past month.
Bulls coach Shane Burgmann said despite the unavailability of most grounds, his side had enjoyed a perfect pre-season.
“We haven’t missed out on anything as far as preparation goes,” Burgmann said.
“The only challenge now is to organise practice matches. The boys are keen to have a competitive hit-out.
“After training for so long, it’s gotten to the stage where the team just wants to play.”
Burgmann said the EFL’s decision to delay the season was fair to everyone.
“Every team is being treated fairly, equally, which is the right thing to do,” he said.
