Wangaratta coach Luke Morgan believes most games will take on a finals-like intensity if play starts, as hoped, in June.
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All football leagues, outside the AFL, were postponed on Wednesday until May 31, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
If play was to start in round 10 on June 13, for example, the season would be halved to a nine-week season, plus finals.
"Every game would be worth double, it would be vital," Morgan said.
"There can be some dead rubbers in an 18-game season, there would be eight-point games in matches and you can't afford to drop off."
Every match is worth four points, but eight-point games is a phrase designed to highlight just how crucial that result is.
Given it's expected to be a tight battle between at least seven teams for the top five - although the league has indicated it would look at a top eight - there would be a stack of blockbusters between those sides with a loss, particularly an upset result, likely to have major ramifications.
Players aren't allowed to train as a group, so clubs have to tailor individual programs, leading to the potential for a lack of drive, given the uncertainty.
"That's something that all clubs are wondering at the moment, how do we keep players motivated?," Morgan said.
However, Morgan at least has the advantage of heading into his 10th year of senior coaching.
"I wouldn't want to be in my first year, if you are it would probably affect you a little bit more, in terms of the preparation," he said.
"Look, it's unprecedented times, it's almost crisis management in terms of what we do with our programs."
Of the 10 clubs, only one has a newcomer in Yarrawonga star Mark Whiley.
The Pies will have their programs available next week, including running and weight sessions, although the latter could be impacted by the availability of gyms.
Wangaratta has also given every player a ball, while the club will keep abreast of the situation via apps and phone contact.
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Elsewhere, Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp says it won't be dissimilar to the Christmas-New Year period.
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"The onus will be on the players as individuals to do the work," he said, adding all clubs will need a flexible approach.
Wodonga Raiders have an initial four-week individual training program.
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