Rivers narrows focus ahead of AFL return

Melbourne Demons youngster Trent Rivers says his sole focus is on preparing for a return to football, as the AFL prepares to make an announcement on a potential return date to the 2020 season.

Rivers, who was drafted by Melbourne with pick 33 in last year’s draft from the East Fremantle Football Club, said radical suggestions for the resumption of the season had not been on his mind as he completes his training back in Perth.

“I’ve read some of the ideas proposed, they’re all just accusations at the moment,” the 18-year-old said.

“Until the AFL actually come out and say something that’s when most of us will start thinking about it. At the moment I’m just trying to stay away from it and listen to what I’m being told by the AFL and Melbourne.”

When asked about the prospect of playing in quarantine hubs, Rivers told Sports Drive he was happy to play in any scenario that would bring football back in 2020.

“I’m open to everything, as long as games can get up and running, I think that’s the main thing for the AFL and everyone really. I am open to anything. Whatever goes I’m happy with.” He said.

Rivers has been training as a half back in his time at the Demons, having grown up idolising former West Coast Eagles sharpshooter Mark LeCras. But he credited another former Eagle for playing a significant role in his journey.

“The biggest influence on me was Jacob Brennan, he coached me at Colts level for two years at East Fremantle, he taught me a lot of things that I didn’t know and needed to. He was a great asset for me.” Rivers said.

Despite only one pre-season under his belt as an AFL footballer, Rivers suggested a shorter training block before AFL returned would suit rather than a longer one.

“I’d be happy to turn around and play off a couple of weeks, we’ve got an awesome training program with Darren Burgess,” he said.

“2-4 weeks would be pretty ideal, just to make sure so you’ve got that fitness base, they can push you out for a couple of weeks and then get back in to the swing of things.”

The AFL will announce it’s intentions for the resumption of the season on Monday.

IMAGE: Melbourne FC website.