CALLS have been made for footballers to remain loyal to the clubs they signed with for another season, but two Ararat club presidents are unsure of the feasibility of the idea.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minyip-Murtoa president Scott Arnold suggested players consider the 2021 season an extension of 2020.
"I like to hope there won't be massive movement in football lists. I think as players, that wouldn't be the right thing to do," Mr Arnold said.
"I actually hope that within the footy community, people who had signed for a 2020 that actually never happened, see it as a continuance into next season.
"Guys that have been recruited to clubs, you'd like to hope there's a sense of unfinished business.
"Clearly after COVID there's going to be some changes in work situations and so forth, but in general I'd like to hope that if people committed to a club for 2020, they'll continue that. "
Ararat Rats president David Hosking said while it was an interesting proposal, it was untenable to expect players to remain with the same club.
"It could be a nice thing, and while I'd love all of our guys to stick around for next year, is that a realistic expectation?" he said.
"Guys signed a contract in late 2019 or early 2020 for the next season, but they absolutely could not foresee what has happened this year, and what may or may not happen in 2021.
"I think there's a lot that can happen in people's lives, and a lot can change 12 months."
Mr Hosking added if some players were to leave due to personal circumstance, it could open up holes in the playing list that need to be filled.
"You've got to be realistic," he said. "Ultimately, it's a free market.
"I won't stand in a player's way if they are set on leaving, and it's likely that we will also be talking to players from other clubs.
"The only person I would say that we definitely know will go around with us next year is our senior coach, Matt Walder, because we signed him on a two-year deal.
"Apart from that, we're pretty much starting again."
READ MORE:
Ararat Eagles president Nats McRoberts said he was hopeful the several big-name signings his club had secured prior to the 2020 season would be retained.
Mr McRoberts however said he expected player movement to continue continue prior to next season.
"I wouldn't say guys should (be loyal), but I would hope that some look at it that way," he said. "But the other thing is too, that if we are expecting blokes to stay loyal to their clubs, is it fair for other clubs to go after them?
"I don't imagine every club is just going to sit on their hands for a year, or not try to get better.
"The reality is, we could potentially end up looking at other club's players that had signed up for 2020."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday morning from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.