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BENDIGO Pioneers' co-captain Josh Treacy describes his season without football as "one of the hardest challenges I've had to come across in my life".
Cohuna's Treacy was to co-captain the Pioneers with Echuca's Jack Evans, but the NAB League boys' season was over before it started.
It was firstly postponed in March on the eve of round one due to the coronavirus pandemic; later given the green light for a shortened six-round season to begin on August 22; but last week had the line put through it for good following the state government's state of disaster declaration in what was a blow for AFL draft aspirants across the state.
"For an 18-year-old aspiring to be an AFL footballer to be told they can't play the game, it has been very tough," Treacy said this week.
"Mentally has probably been the hardest part and I think when we get back it's definitely going to separate those players who just want it that bit more... I'm working hard to give myself the best opportunity to be one of those.
"Not playing this year, it's more than just the game you miss - it's the people behind the scenes who do all the work to make sure you can get out and play and you certainly appreciate them a lot more as well."
Not playing this year, it's more than just the game you miss - it's the people behind the scenes who do all the work to make sure you can get out and play and you certainly appreciate them a lot more as well
- Josh Treacy
While he didn't get the chance to play any NAB League games in his top-age year this season, Treacy - a member of the AFL Academy - was able to pull the boots on for one Goulburn Valley league under-18 game for Echuca on July 25 before that season was also called off.
Meanwhile, Evans said that, while not surprised, he was shattered when he learned of the final nail in the coffin being delivered for the NAB League season.
"It would have been awesome to have been able to lead the boys this year, but, unfortunately, it's not to be," Evans said.
"It has obviously been tough not having footy this year, but I've been doing a lot of Next Level Fitness classes and was still able to train with Echuca when it was looking like we were going to get an under-18 season up. And then I'd do a few extra runs on top of that, so I was able to keep fairly busy.
"It has been hard to keep positive and while there's always a slim chance perhaps, it's highly unlikely for me (being drafted) this year.
"But, hopefully, there's more opportunities next year to maybe go again as an over-age player or if a VFL opportunity might open up... I'll just have to play it by ear."
Although they didn't get the chance to lead their team into battle on-field this year, Evans and Treacy join an honour roll of Bendigo Pioneers captains that includes Daniel Harris (2000), Daniel Elstone (2001), Colin Sylvia (2003), Sam Kerridge (2011), Ollie Wines (2012) and Joe Atley (2016) who are AFL draftees.
The Pioneers this year had a list of 86 under-18 players - 45 boys and 41 girls.
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