NAB League footballers training for the unknown amid COVID-19

The Koroit-listed teenagers, who are among 24 south-west footballers on the Rebels' 2020 NAB League list, have caught up to train four or five times a week amid coronavirus restrictions.

Two other Rebels-listed teenagers - South Warrnambool's Archie Stevens and Camperdown's Hamish Sinnott - have called on their brothers for training support.

Stevens with younger brother George and Sinnott with older brother Zach.

Petersen, 17, and Baulch, 16, are unsure if the statewide under 18 competition will get under way this year, given limitations around crowds and travel.

But they are doing their utmost to ensure they're in contention to debut if the Rebels get the green tick.

Petersen, who lives in Dennington, and Baulch, who's based in Illowa, said having each other there as motivation was important.

Forward prospect Petersen also trained with his older brother Will.

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"It is challenging at times, getting motivated but it's also good now being able to catch up with a couple of the boys and get a kick in," Petersen said.

"It makes it a lot easier when you have people to come along and motivate you a bit and you can challenge yourself against the others."

Petersen said Baulch, a utility, was the ideal training partner, given their club connections and the fact he lives "just a bike ride away".

"It's good to have someone to keep you on task," he said.

"We've done mostly kicking and a bit of running to keep us fit."

Baulch agreed, saying they were "pretty close".

"It's been good having someone to train with seeing as you weren't really allowed to train in groups," he said.

"Going for a kick and doing your running with a mate is good."

Stevens, 16, said having his brother for support meant he was "pretty lucky".

"I can still do most things and we've been focusing on maintaining fitness from the pre-season and keeping our skill and touch up," he said.

"Obviously you'd like to do team-based stuff and even stuff with mates but I have been lucky to have him."

It's been the same situation for Sinnott.

"It is good to have someone to push you a bit in the running," he said.

There is uncertainty around the NAB League season which was halted before round one in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I've been talking to the coaches a bit and they've said they've still got hope we'll get a couple of games in," Petersen said.

"Whether it's a season or not, we'll just have to wait and see."

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The wait is longer than most for Petersen who missed the last 12 weeks of the 2019 season.

Stevens wants to see footy, in some format, this year.

"With Rebels hopefully that gets up and going and footy down here as well. I hope whoever is making the decision for local footy do all they can for that," he said.

"It would be awesome to get it up and going for everyone's sake."

Sinnott conceded the lack of certainty crept in at times.

"It's a bit hard - what if you do all the training for nothing," he said.

"Everyday I feel something different - some people say we'll play and some people say we won't be. I hope we can."

But Sinnott, 16, said the Rebels had worked hard to keep everyone motivated.

"We've been having a Zoom meetings so we get to stay connected with the players and coaches," he said.

Petersen, Baulch, Stevens and Sinnott are all bottom-age prospects, meaning their eligible for Rebels' selection again in 2021.

All four said it was a relief and conceded it would've been an added stress if they were top-age players this year.

"It definitely would be (stressful) if you were looking to get drafted (this year)," Petersen said.

"You can always find a bright side and that (being bottom-age) is one to look at."

Baulch said he would strive to make the list again next year.

"I was happy to get in (this season) and I was enjoying it at the time and this happened and it was a little bit disappointing," he said.

"At least I get another chance unlike some older boys."

Stevens said it was a difficult situation.

"Knowing some of the other top-age boys at South, you feel for them because it was a pretty big year for them," he said.

"You do feel lucky it's not the most important year (for yourself) in terms of what it all comes down to but obviously you want to be playing footy."

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