How the coronavirus break could impact potential AFL draftees

Terang Mortlake's Isaac Wareham and South Warrnambool's Fraser Marris were exposed to recruiters last season as regular members of Greater Western Victoria Rebels' best side.

If they don't play this year, AFL clubs have a body of work to gauge.

But with the statewide under 18 season in limbo, with football postponed until May 31 at the earliest, some of their peers might miss out on a chance to stake their cases ahead of the AFL draft.

Wareham, who is planning to juggle VFL commitments with Geelong and NAB League as a 19-year-old prospect this season, said it was a frustrating situation.

"It is going to be hard for recruiters to see many bolters this year so maybe we have a bit more of a chance (of getting drafted) with previous stats," he said.

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Wareham, 18, said footballers understood the game took a back seat to public health and safety but it was a predicament for those striving to make a career out of the sport.

"I think it's pretty stiff. The only reason I am in contention is because I had an all right (AFL under 18) national champs last year, so I think it's hard for those kids who can't prove themselves," he said.

"They may have had unbelievable off-seasons and it's just been cut short."

Wareham is hopeful the VFL and NAB League competitions will squeeze in shortened seasons.

"I don't think it would matter if we ran over schedule a little bit. It might interfere with cricket season but I think you could even push that back a bit," he said.

"It comes down to the availability of grounds. Everyone will be trying to catch up."

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Marris, who played 14 NAB League games in his bottom-age season, said playing in any capacity would be preferable to an entire season being wiped out.

"Any opportunity we get to play a game or two I'd be more than happy for that to happen," he said.

Both Wareham and Marris said players respected the football standstill.

But they're all eager to maintain their touch when and if the season kicks off.

"It is a bit frustrating, doing a whole pre-season and then being told to stop," Wareham said.

"But footy is not the main thing to worry about now, it's everyone's safety. It puts it in a bit of perspective of where footy stands in the world."

Wareham, who is at home in Mortlake during the coronavirus restrictions completing his university course online, said he had enjoyed his first pre-season with Geelong.

He joined the Cats' VFL list alongside fellow Hampden league teenagers Liam Herbert, Josh Dwyer and Liam Burgess.

They were also listed as Rebels' 19-year-old prospects.

Wareham, who is also a talented cricketer, said Geelong had "taken us under their wing".

"The VFL is a little bit different. We've focused more on structure whereas NAB League is more about developing your skills and building your body up," he said.

"VFL is where you learn about the game a bit more and although Rebels has taught me a lot, VFL is just that step up."

Marris, 18, conceded "it is pretty odd" to be playing a team sport and training individually.

"You're leading into the start of the season and all of a sudden it comes to a halt and you don't really know what to expect," he said.

"You complete a full pre-season and you feel like you're ready to go and then you have to do it again for another 12 weeks not knowing if you're going to be playing or not, so it's a bit unique.

"We've been given a training program in three-week blocks so we'll just complete those.

"It is pretty hard to do. I have been doing it with my old man (Stephen) but some of the stuff is a bit hard and you need to have a few more there."

Marris combined NAB League with the odd Hampden league senior game in 2019 and was one of South Warrnambool's best in its elimination final loss to Port Fairy.

"I was surprised. I didn't go into the year expecting to play many games so I was happy to get that experience and get it under my belt," he said.

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