Training limitations has Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw worried about skill level when footy returns

North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw is worried we won’t see the great skills we’re used to in AFL once footy returns from the coronavirus shutdown, while he’s not convinced on the hub idea.

Rhyce Shaw is worried about the skill level when AFL returns. Picture: Getty

North Melbourne coach Rhyce Shaw is concerned about the skill level of players when football returns after the coronavirus shutdown.

With players training away from their clubs and only able to train with one other person, AFL players are limited with the variety of skills work and they can complete.

It means players have been required to get creative and come up with drills that will keep their skills and touch sharp with such dramatic limitations in place.

Kangaroos players are adapting and trying to make the best of a difficult situation but Shaw is worried about the skill level once football returns.

“You can only train with a single person other than yourself, so you’re very limited in what you can do,” Shaw said.

“Our guys are pretty good in coming up with drills themselves between pairs. It’s been interesting to see how that’s evolved. I think that’s been brilliant, some of the stuff that I’ve been told from the boys that they’ve been doing, which is great.

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Players are limited to training with just one other person. Picture: Getty

“They’ve been making the most of it and they’ve been adapting, like we spoke about when we first stopped.

“It is a bit of a worry but we’ll make the most of it and that’s all we can do.

“I think the boys are itching to get going but they’re also making the most of what they’re doing now.”

With players completing running and gym programs similar to pre-season during the coronavirus shutdown, it means focusing on sharpening skills will likely be the focus once clubs are given the green light to resume training.

Shaw believes three or four weeks will be “ample” time to get his players ready for Round 2.

The first-year coach has been getting an insight into the physical demands of the training schedule, completing one of his players’ programs.

He’s also been checking in with them daily and set up a “Coffee Club”, which runs for half an hour starting at 8am and midday every day, which players can log onto to catch up.

“It’s good to get a sense of what they’re doing, how they’re going and what they have to put in each day,” Shaw told the club’s website.

Rhyce Shaw celebrates with his players after the Round 1 win.

“It has been a bit taxing, especially last week, it was a fairly big week for the boys but it’s good to see the guys are still up and about and they’re looking for footy to come around and whenever that is, our guys are going to be ready.

“The mindset has changed in our group. They’re hungry and I love that and I love speaking to them about it as well.”

While the AFL is still working through a range of scenarios to restart the season, Shaw isn’t convinced it will be in hubs.

“To be honest I’m not even really sure that’s going to take place,” Shaw said.

“But I think the main thing is we do the right thing by the community and we are in line with what the government and what’s best for our people. I think the AFL are doing a fantastic job in that regard. They are taking their time, they’re not making any rash decisions. I think they’ll play it as they see it and when we do come back we’ll be back for good.

“Whatever way they go, I know it’ll be the right way. If it is a hub then we’ll have to do that … whatever happens, we’ll be ready.”

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Originally published as Training limitations has Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw worried about skill level when footy returns