Big V teams on court a priority: president

LEADER: Players such as James Mitchell add leadership to the Seahawks' Big V team. Picture: Morgan Hancock

WARRNAMBOOL Seahawks and Mermaids president Jacob Sobey says fielding Big V men's and women's sides in 2021 is a priority but concedes "there's still a lot up in the air".

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Financial implications stemming from potential coronavirus restrictions is the club's main concern just a month out from the season.

The division one sides, under coaches Lee Primmer (Mermaids) and Shane Smith (Seahawks) are training in readiness for a March 13 tip-off.

Outgoing president Sobey, who will step down at the next annual general meeting, said it would be a "cut back" campaign.

"We still haven't seen a draw yet. We are still waiting for feedback from (Warrnambool City) Council and even the league on restrictions to crowds or what the protocols are," Sobey said.

EARNING HIS STRIPES: Teenager Riley Nicolson is one Warrnambool player hoping to make an impact in the Big V. Picture: Morgan Hancock

"All of those come with a financial component as well. If we can't have crowds through the door to our full capacity, it impacts our ability to run the season.

"Everyone has had a tough time the past 12 to 18 months and it's probably not the best time to be knocking on doors but we have to wait and see what our responses are to sponsorship too.

"I think for us as a club the main point of the year is to get the teams back on the court, so it may be a very drawn-back year in terms of spend and some of the stuff we would normally do during a season might not happen.

"It will just be a matter of getting players on the court week-to-week and getting rid of some of the extravagant things we would normally do in terms of events and even running bars on game nights, all that is up in the air, drawing back the canteen.

"It will be as basic as a season can be."

COACHING CAPER: Lee Primmer will lead the Warrnambool Mermaids in 2021. Picture: Morgan Hancock

Melbourne-based Sobey hopes to have a meeting with Smith and Primmer in Warrnambool on Thursday.

He said planning had been thrown into chaos due to the ever-changing state government virus restrictions.

"We are still waiting on a lot of info," Sobey said.

"There are so many things we have to iron out and the season is only a month away.

"We are still waiting on that feedback and with the draw only being released two weeks before the season starts, it's going to be such a reactive approach this year and one case here or there and it could throw it on its head again.

"It will be a reactive year rather than us being able to plan six to 12 months ahead like we normally would."

Sobey said he was unsure if the teams would have imports.

He said it was something the committee would weigh up.

American Elijah Tillman is in Warrnambool, and has been since last year, and is training with the Seahawks.

"Having someone local it does make it easier but there is VISA stuff to work out," Sobey said.

"With junior back up and running, there is going to be need for imports to help out with programs we would normally have.

"There may be some club funding that goes towards getting an import."

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