Simply Energy Isolation Diaries: Nathan O'Driscoll Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - 1:15 PM - by Nathan O\\\'Driscoll

In a time of great uncertainty around the footballing world, we take you inside the lives of our Western Australian Under 18s as they navigate their way through an unprecedented 2020 season. The positives, the negatives and the new opportunities that present themselves will all be told in the ‘Simply Energy Isolation Diaries.’ 

If you had told me that in early April, I would be at my property in Northam writing an article about the prospect of not playing footy in 2020, I would have called you crazy.

But in the midst of what is currently going on around the world, that is precisely what I am trying to get my head around. 

The last three weeks feel like a blur in all honesty. The WAFL postponement, the AFL postponement, the cancellation of AFLW and being at home has affected me in a whole bunch of ways. 

I take a look back at what the last 21 days mean for me and my family. 

WAFL being postponed; Tuesday, March 16. 

Despite what had been taking place around the world, March 16 was a pretty normal day. In-between preparing for the WAFL season and completing sessions with the WA U18s Academy life had been busy, living with my uncle in Perth. I remember taking the afternoon to just chill, only to scroll Instagram to read that the WAFL season and Talent programs had been postponed. For much of that day, I didn’t think the news was real. It wasn’t until the TV news followed suit and announced the measure that it hit me, no footy, for who knows how long. You know the news is coming at some point, but it certainly shocked me when it did. 

AFL Round One; Thursday, March 18. 

Two days later the AFL season started to no crowds and a heap of uncertainty. Most seasons Round One is built with excitement and expectation, but this year felt different. Watching the games on TV, it felt strange. You play footy to entertain people and without the fans it seemed like a different sport. The weirdness of seeing two great mates (Deven & Mitch) make their debut in front of no one was odd, but I know we will see them play in front of thousands in no time. 

To know that you’ve played with them last year and to see them run out on an AFL list is very surreal. They’re your mates at the end of the day, but to see them line up on the best was great. 

AFLW Semi-Finals; Saturday, March 21. 

When Round One for the AFL was announced, the news followed that the AFLW would move straight into a three-week finals series. For me, this was important for my sister Emma, a Fremantle Dockers AFLW player. Three games into her AFLW career she was playing in a final, but in front of no one. Unfortunately, that ruling extended to her family, we weren’t allowed to attend. It was a huge letdown for us as a family, given the Docker girls were flying, 6-0 and taking on Gold Coast. Em was still extremely raw to the atmosphere and level that AFLW required, I know she would have loved to have the family there. Our family don’t miss too many games of footy so there was some disappointment, but also understanding. There are bigger things at play. 
 

AFLW Cancellation; Sunday, March 22. 

Amazing what can happen in 24 hours. From being involved in a 70-point victory in final, to the entire season being cancelled with no winner. I know it hit Em pretty hard, much like the rest of the team at Freo. There was no denying that the side was an extremely good chance to win the Premiership, but it couldn’t be given to them. There was too much to play out and again, there is bigger things at play. But it was devastating for the footy club and our family. I feel that these decisions will spur the girls on for season 2021 in a big way, given the hollow feeling a lot were left with in 2020. 

Despite all of that, myself and the family are extremely proud of Emma’s first season. You don’t always expect to have a major impact from game one, but she stood up in some really big moments and made a difference. To handle the pressure moments the way she did will give her a lot of confidence moving forward. 

The silver lining.   

Being at home with my family and friends in Northam has been the biggest positive for me throughout this whole event. The club and talent academy recommended it, being a safer environment for me. I finished school just last year and moved to Perth pretty much straight away. To be back for a period of time has been a great silver lining for me, still training and ready to play whenever that comes. Hopefully for everyone, that is sooner rather than later.