LONG-time East Point football trainer Mark Sculley has keenly felt a big hole in his life without match days.
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A return to football training this month has been the only outings for an immunocompromised Sculley, who has been off work for all but a couple of weeks since early December for cancer treatment. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit.
East Point was working to create a legacy this time last year, on the way to defending its Ballarat Football League seniors flag. Now, any chance of a season to follow is at its most precarious with rival club Darley making the call on Wednesday morning to opt out of any potential play in senior football and netball.
Sculley said he was adjusting with whatever unfolded in COVID-19 restrictions - he said it was all you could really do - but he hoped for football's return.
"It's been pretty boring - no Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays at the club. We've been there a long time," Sculley said. "...It would be good to know what's going to happen with football so I can plan things. Until then, all you can do is sit and wait."
Ron Sculley has chalked up more than 50 years' service to East Point and its founding arm Golden Point. The club is where Sculleys, like Mark and his daughter Emily, have grown up.
Sculley said it was a shock to the system when the BFL season start was postponed. Dad Ron had seized a chance to work on his golf game, before that too was put in limbo.
Being back at training helps. Sculley said it was different - trainers could instruct players how to strap and look after themselves from the sidelines, but there was no physical contact and no running our water either. But at least people were back at the club.
The BFL will make its decision on Friday whether to launch a season or cancel senior competition.
BFL chairman Adrian Bettio had previously said if one club pulled out of the season, the league would have no option but to cancel season 2020.
Clubs have been mixed in their response since but East Point president Gary Wilson maintained last week the Roos were raring to play.
Central Highlands Football League will make its season call on June 29.
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