PLAYER welfare is high on Justin Tarr’s priority list following his re-appointment as coach of Bell Post Hill for the 2021 GDFL season.
The five-time premiership star, who shared the role in 2019 with Caleb Bacely, will go it alone in 2021, as was the plan for this year.
“My immediate focus is making sure the boys are OK and doing well,” Tarr said.
“I’m touching base with all of them to see how they’re travelling through COVID and the challenges they’re going through.
“They all seem to be OK, which is good.”
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Tarr expects the majority of the 2020 list to play next year, including returning stars Tim Barton, Nick Costello, Will Kelly, Daniel Gray and Dylan Witney.
“I’ve already had a chat to pretty much every player and no one’s said they are going anywhere,” he said.
“We’ve got a good list, and for those older guys it’s their last crack at one last premiership, hopefully.
“Everyone’s keen to stay together and see what we can do.”
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Tarr is keen to add some youth at Myers Reserve, while a ruckman is also on the shopping list.
Ren Lovitt has lodged a clearance back to Bell Post Hill after a stint in Queensland, but whether he plays remains up in the air.
“He’s got an ankle issue that keeps flaring up,” Tarr said.
“He’ll be training and trying to play, but it’s probably more unlikely than likely.
“You never know. Hopefully he’ll do the pre-season and we’ll see how his body holds up.
“We’re not too sure at the moment.”
Twitter: @tom_king79