Top order batsman Joe Cooke had been talking to the Eagles over recent months, but the latest lockdowns in ACT, NSW and Victoria have curtailed those hopes.

"I was looking at it as an option to get into the coaching sides of things, just with a fresh start, I was very realistic about it and had numerous conversations with the club, but to come down there and to get what they wanted out of me from a coaching perspective, I needed to be with the players now," he offered.

"You need a pre-season, otherwise you're trying to implement change on the run and I don't believe in that, it's something the whole club has to buy into."

The 32-year-old has won multiple premierships with ACT powerhouse Western District and University of Canberra Cricket Club.

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Belvoir's plight isn't uncommon during COVID, although the club hasn't totally ruled out Cooke, should borders reopen.

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