Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien special guest on The Main Break, episode two

That's the assessment from Warrnambool coach Matt O'Brien, who is one of 10 Hampden league coaches nervously awaiting news about the stalled 2020 season.

O'Brien featured on The Standard's new podcast, The Main Break, on Wednesday.

He spoke about the positive impact an extended break could have on veteran players' bodies, how young players on the cusp of senior games will handle the setback, the social importance of football-netball clubs, goal-setting, mental health, coaching appointments and how footy will bounce back.

Listen to The Standard's new podcast, The Main Break episode two:

O'Brien said individual aspects played their part in a team game.

"Everyone goes into the season with their own goals and as a coach you help them set their goals," he said.

"I reckon privately they hold little secret things they want to achieve as well, particularly that group of young people who were pushing for their first senior game.

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"Or even some who had a taste last year and were looking to cement themselves and get a regular spot in the seniors."

O'Brien said it was important those players didn't think their "time and effort was wasted because it wasn't".

"It maybe isn't going to impact on the season the way we were hoping but we did a lot of good work together, we worked hard on skill, did a lot of structure work," he said.

O'Brien said those "towards the end of their careers" could benefit from a lengthy lay-off.

"This might stretch it out for them. People who get a season off, their bodies can rest and repair perfectly," he said.

"It might rekindle the love. It's not just the games - we love getting together at training, we love the mucking around that goes on."

O'Brien said the COVID-19 pandemic was "a real disrupter in society" which would impact people in different ways long-term.

"People are being broken from their normal routines and they're going to have to make the choice to go back to them," he said.

But he believes football will thrive again due to its ability to bring people from all different walks of life together in a social setting.

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