Whilst COVID has already hit many teams hard this season, it could be argued that Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory are the two teams that have been affected the most.
The former will have to spend the whole season away from their home and families, whilst the latter has had to endure being away from their home base since the end of 2021. Glory relocated to North Sydney as the WA government’s tough border controls mean they wouldn’t otherwise have been able to complete their fixtures.
Without downplaying the impacts on the Phoenix, the situation for Glory is possibly one of greater disruption as they would not have been planning for the situation until after the rapid increase in Australian COVID cases, whereas the New Zealand team had to plan for being away before the season started.
This enforced relocation for season 2021/22 follows on from an incredibly disrupted 2020/21 campaign when COVID also wreaked havoc on Perth’s schedule, and for coach Alex Epakis this is an issue that seems to have become almost a routine part of his job.
We asked him if the extended period of time away this season has provided any advantages when compared to the constant and rapid fixture changes from the previous season.
“The players and staff have made a significant sacrifice to relocate for an extended time to the East Coast. We have young players, we have players that have full-time work back in Perth and we have players with families etc. It can’t be overstated the effort and commitment this group has to the team and the competition. While I think that moving to Sydney allows a more settled approach to our routine and preparation it certainly doesn’t provide the home comforts, support network and ability to train and play in our home in front of our supporters and members. Nonetheless, despite the difficult start to the trip; playing close to a quarter of our season in 7 days, injuries, COVID issues etc., the group of players and support staff have been exceptional and I am so proud of what we are doing and our last performance against Jets just shows the resolve we all have. We are fighters.”
The move has also brought logistical as well as emotional issues, not the least of which is having to cope with strict COVID protocols in NSW, which mean staff and players now have to contend with a new training and living environment.
“I think it took some time to get our routine, ironing out a few things related to managing a large group for an extended period of time. We also have to contend with COVID protocols etc. The senior players have really played a big role in assisting me with creating an overall plan to ensure that all the players are getting a good balance of football and normality in their day to day lives. We are always looking for ways to make it more homely and normal. Overall, the group has adjusted relatively well and they have been really responsible in what they are doing and in their actions,” Epakis said.
Epakis also reflected on the challenges the squad has faced and how they have had to change plans and decisions on an almost daily basis due to COVID and injury impacts.
“I think that there have been a lot of challenges and it is difficult to pinpoint just one. We are constantly needing to pivot and be agile in our decision making and preparation. The situation changes daily and we just adjust and move on with it. I am well supported by some exceptional support staff on this trip and we are all going above and beyond every day to make sure we can service the team and the players.”
Perhaps the only parallel to the situation Glory find themselves in is one of a team that is taking part in an extended tournament, and a common refrain from players who play in such events is that the downtime can be very boring. Epakis provided an insight into how the staff are managing a squad of 23 players whose ages range from 16 to 35+ and who all have varying experiences of football and life.
“We do have a basic set of guidelines which we have to keep to in order to ensure we limit contact and possible COVID spread. The players have relative freedom in outdoor settings and some of the players look to find a balance in their time. Some have been doing long walks throughout Sydney, going to the beach, getting take away coffees etc. It is a great time for us as a group to really come together but we are also mindful that overexposure needs to be avoided. The players have found a good balance I believe.”
With the demands of a hectic playing schedule in early January, there is always a risk of players becoming overloaded and Epakis had this to say about their preparation.
“We have tried to keep our preparation as consistent as possible. We are still doing our regular team meetings / reviews, we are training at a good base at Football NSW, from that point of view nothing has really needed to change.”
Despite all the off-field difficulties, the team has shown it is a far more competitive unit than last season. Epakis was quick to praise the attitude of the players in adjusting to the demands of the situation, and was also able to see some positives coming from the experience.
“I don’t think it can be overstated what this resilient group has gone through. Playing three matches in seven days after not playing for three weeks, across two cities, undertaking a complete long term relocation is not something any team has been required to do. I think the schedule could have been a bit more balanced to help the players with their wellbeing and load management after not playing for three weeks. I am trying to work out why we had three matches in one week, and then after that, it is one match each week for the remainder of the trip. It doesn’t make sense to me, but it’s nothing new. We’ve been presented with these kinds of challenges throughout my time at the club and as always, the group has shown great strength and resolve to respond to adversity in a positive way.”
With Glory still to spend the rest of the month in their new location before heading back home in early February, there is every likelihood of there being more challenges to face but they have already shown they are capable of dealing with just about anything that can be thrown at them.
