Now 23 and with a pre-season and one round under his belt before the competition was cancelled, Brosolo feels he's better prepared to take the club forward in 2021.

He spoke to The Border Mail about what lies in store.

BEAU GREENWAY: How has the year looked for you personally since the season was cancelled?

SAM BROSOLO: It's been tough just sitting around, but I hope everyone's eager to get back into it. I don't want guys to think they've had a few weeks off and don't want to come back. I think everyone will be thriving.

BG: You were the league's youngest senior coach when you took on the job for the 2020 season and likely still will be next year. Were you disappointed you didn't get a good crack at it this year due to the pandemic?

SB: I was a little disappointed, but it gave me a bit of a build up to see what coaching is all about during the pre-season and even just playing one game. Maybe it's made me even more prepared if you look at the positives.

BG: Have you thought about coaching much during the break?

SB: I spent the break going about my business really. I try to go out for a bit of a kick on my own or get a few boys to come along. I haven't put too much thought into it, but it's definitely in the back of my mind thinking how I can improve.

ALSO IN SPORT:

BG: Do you plan to get back earlier for pre-season training?

SB: I think we'll start a little bit earlier because you want to get people coming down as soon as possible. You don't want to leave it too late and in case people are a bit iffy about playing. Last year I think we started at the beginning of January, but we might look to push it to the start of December this year.

BG: It's still a long way but do you hope to retain your recruits from last season like Seb Dalitz?

SB: I'm pretty sure all our recruits are going to stick around again next year, but you never know. It will be a good way to begin if that's the case.

BG: Former Murray United star Sean Pye loomed as a huge signature for Melrose following the demise of the NPL club's senior program. Is he a chance to be back at his home club in 2021?

SB: He didn't play round one, but he was coming to training up until the four-week break they made us have and then the season was eventually canned. I'm not sure what he's doing this year, but it might be positive. He'd definitely be handy for us.

BG: Have you heard much about the opposition clubs and who might be an early front runner?

SB: If the same teams come out again next year, Wangaratta will definitely be the team to beat again. You won't know until the beginning of the season who could take it out.

BG: Does the chance to play more night games appeal to you?

SB: Some of the board members had a bit of a talk about the night knockout tournament (proposed by AWFA for next year) and I think it's a great idea. It will be good to see a big crowd come out and you could see two big teams draw each other in the first round. I haven't played many night games, but it's always got a good atmosphere to it.

BG: Have you set yourself any different goals for next year now that you've had a bit of experience with senior coaching?

SB: I'm not really sure to be honest. I wasn't too nervous being a coach last year, but this year I'm definitely way more prepared. I know what works with the boys and what needs to improve just from that one pre-season, so I think I can get off to a better start as well.