Josh Corbett banks on routine to maintain development in COVID-19 lockdown

The North Warrnambool Eagles export is using mindfulness, regular contact with teammates and detailed training programs to stay in shape in the sport's coronavirus-enforced hiatus.

Corbett, who has remained on the Gold Coast with partner Mikayla Murphy, is tapping into digital resources to stay connected.

"We have little support groups which are designed basically for weekly check ins, just to see how everyone is going," he said.

"It's been a different experience. We had a big Zoom app competition this morning where the whole team was divided into little groups.

"We were given a card and the fastest team to complete the exercise was the winner. It's a good way to keep up contact - we're pretty lucky we live in this digital age."

Corbett said the Suns' conditioning staff had been working tirelessly to ensure players were reaching targets.

"The running component is obviously a big part for us. I also went to buy a piece of rope and I've been using that with some pool work in the backyard," he said.

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"Before the lockdown I was going to the club and using weights. The staff have done a power of work to update programs as we obviously don't have the luxury of a squat rack or bench equipment at home.

"They're in touch twice a week to update next week's schedule and that's helped to stay in routine.

"It's important (to stay in routine) because you could easily lose your way a bit and go back to the way it was in my uni days, sleeping in until 10am and watching movies all night. The (digital) support groups have been positive and I think we're embracing it."

Despite the physical demands of elite footy, the mental aspect of the sport is not lost on Corbett.

He regularly uses breathing exercises flagged by Resilience Project founder Hugh van Cuylenburg in a Suns session last year.

While training is on hold, the 23-year-old is itching to hit the track to work on both his contested marking ability and goalkicking.

"I think one of my strengths is definitely my marking ability but I want to keep improving on the contested side of things," he said.

"It's about outworking my opponent in the contest and being able to read the ball flight early. I'll definitely be working on that this year.

"(Teammate) Sam Collins is one of the best contested marks I've ever seen. The way he can use his body and read the ball flight is amazing.

"I'd like to do more work with him. Goalkicking is another area. I know I can be quite accurate when I'm on but I want to build consistency." Corbett said he'd maintained contact with Warrnambool during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Warrnambool is a lovely small town and I love getting home to family and friends down there," he said.

"It's very refreshing. I have old work mates from Materia Brothers and we have a chat every now and then and I still have a lot of family there.

"I've been speaking to them every second or third day. I'm not really jealous of the weather at the moment but I do love summer."

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