Brisbane legend Simon Black says coronavirus isolation will be mentally tough for players
A consummate professional throughout his glamorous career with the Brisbane Lions, the great Simon Black says the coronavirus-enforced isolation of AFL players will separate the “true professionals” from the rest.
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Lions legend Simon Black says mental hurdles will be higher than physical barriers for isolated AFL players in the coming weeks.
Black – who is the only footballer in VFL/AFL history to win three premierships, a Brownlow Medal, a Norm Smith Medal and register over senior 300 games – said modern-day players had to take being a “true professional” to a new level.
Players across the country were sent home on Monday after the competition-wide shutdown until May 31 due to the coronavirus.
They were given training programs and exercise equipment by clubs, who will assess the isolation period for players after a month.
Black – who still holds the record for most disposals in an AFL grand final with his 39 touches in the 2003 decider – said adjusting to life without being around teammates in the regimented structure of meetings, training sessions and medical appointments would be an issue.
Part time AFL player, Full time gamer😂 with no solo win.https://t.co/zozOsGn88g pic.twitter.com/JAFl8Qhvuf
— Mitch Robinson (@MitchRobinson05) March 26, 2020
“The mental side is the biggest challenge facing the players. They are in great shape right now coming off pre-season and becoming match fit,’’ Black said.
“When games will resume is an unknown at this point so being able to be self-driven and disciplined is key. It’s what will keep the players from losing large parts of their conditioning they’ve built up over the last four to five months.
“It will separate some players, some won’t be as capable of training alone and staying sharp.
Being a true professional is now a whole new thing.
“Can players train the way they are required to when no one is watching over them like previously? Sure, they’ll have devices to be tracked by conditioning staff but it won’t be the same.
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“Those that can continually train alone without the stimulus of the whole team around them will be best placed when it’s time to play again. It’s a time of self-discipline and controlling what you can control.’’
With a restart date still unknown, players are likely to back off their running before gradually building up training loads.
Black said variety would also be important.
“I’d try different things, go surfing and circuit train. I’d look to do some cross-training to help stay as stimulated as possible,’’ he said.
Brisbane have given their players individual training and nutrition plans while they will also have access to club psychologists and wellbeing staff.
In a statement from the club yesterday, Brisbane said “the message to our players is the same as it is for everyone. The first priority is their health and helping their families and others close to them through this difficult time’’.
Originally published as Brisbane legend Simon Black says coronavirus isolation will be mentally tough for players