North Melbourne CEO Ben Amarfio penned the following letter to members and supporters.
After lots of negotiating between governments and the AFL, we are incredibly excited to learn the season will resume on Thursday, June 11, with non-contact training to recommence Monday, May 18 and full-contact training the following Monday.
While it is very welcomed news that we can finally pick up from where we left off following our sensational Round 1 win over St Kilda, we are also conscious that due to the ongoing mass gathering restrictions, our members and supporters won’t be able to attend our matches in the short term.
It is a huge blow to us and we can’t wait until all of our fans can return to the stands because it’s the reason why we compete – our players thrive on the energy you create. Never has that been more appreciated than now.
The best way to expedite getting crowds back is for all of us to continue adhering to the restrictions set by our state and federal governments, maintain healthy hygiene practices and download the COVIDSafe app. The quicker we can stop transmission of the virus, the quicker we can see the royal blue and white striped Shinboner army at Marvel Stadium and Blundstone Arena; what a sight that will be.
In the absence of the work generated by attendances at games and the associated lost revenue, unfortunately it means we have had to extend the stand down period for many of staff. Our thoughts are extended to these Shinboners and all those in the community who are struggling - we will continue to support them in any way we can.
We expect to see a fixture for the next four Rounds in the next ten days, but regardless of our opponents, we will be ready to play and win. The Football Department, operating with skeleton staff, has done a sensational job keeping the players fit, motivated and engaged during the lockdown period.
The teams that make finals, and the club that ultimately wins the premiership this season will have to be the most disciplined, professional, resilient and determined in recent history given the extraordinary circumstances we’re in.
Unlike many parts of the country, our team members will remain in lockdown with tough restrictions placed on them throughout the season. These measures remain in place for all AFL teams to ensure their safety and the safety of the community. Our players and staff will be tested regularly and have to endure much tougher restrictions than the rest of us. Consequently, we will be trying to support them as much as we can.
To get to this point is significant, and it’s not lost on me or the wider club that we simply wouldn’t have made it here without the undying support and generosity of our members and fans. We consider our members as family and to have you throw your support behind us during such a tough time means so much to us. Our members have not only retained their memberships, but further contributed to the club during a financially tough time - that’s a huge tribute to all of you. Thank you for sticking with us.
As Glenn Archer said recently, North Melbourne people are unique in the way they have supported our club for more than 150 years. It’s only through our partners, members and fans’ dedication and love for the club, that we still exist today and will continue to exist for the next 150-years and more.
With games set to begin, it’s now up to us to repay your unwavering faith and passion by playing a brand of football you will be proud of and inspired by, and to uphold our famous Shinboner Spirit. We spoke with all the players this morning and there was cheering and hollering which was warming to hear. I can tell you, the boys are definitely up and about and itching to play.
We hope you continue to show your support by watching our matches on TV and engaging with us via our digital media channels and other means in the coming weeks.
The season is finally upon us and we are all incredibly excited about our prospects. We hope you are too.
Stay well, take care and thanks again for your ongoing support.
Kindest regards,
Ben Amarfio.
