Tara Murray
Ben Tankard had no hesitation in re-signing with Woodend-Hesket to remain as coach for next year’s Riddell District Football League season.
This year was meant to be Tankard’s first year in charge of the Hawks after two years coaching Macedon, but it came to a halt when the season was cancelled due to COVID-19
Having got in much of the pre-season, Tankard was impressed with what he saw and was keen to continue what they had started.
“I still haven’t coached a game yet,” he said.
“Everything they sold to me and attracted me to the club, came to fruition in pre-season. It’s a good group and they had a really good pre-season.
“They were pretty well placed. The season got postponed seven days off from our first practice match, but we’d had several intra club matches.
“We still had a mile to go, but you could see that we would be more competitive.”
Tankard said the group still trained hard while they weren’t allowed to train as a team, with virtual groups led by players in place during lockdowns to keep the fitness and competitive juices flowing.
Having re-signed Tankard, said they were starting to talk to the players about next season.
He said a lower salary cap of $85,000 would have some impact, but all players across the state were facing cuts with all leagues salary caps dropping.
Having been full of confidence of being in the finals mix this year, Tankard thinks they will remain their next season.
“I’d be pretty surprised if we lose anyone,” he said.
“We’ve got a few players that are keen to join us. Come round one 2021, I don’t think we’ll be any worse than what we would have been this year.”
