KICK-to-kick has long been a bit of fun at football games but now is becoming vital for footballers to keep their games sharp.
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Amid the rise in people pounding their neighbourhood streets, promenading the lake and taking the family on a bush treks, kick-to-kicks is one form of exercise you can do under the state's coronavirus restrictions. This is provided you are only with people from your home or with one other person.
Kicking a football has been a popular exercise choice for young families but also with the region's footballers, who would otherwise have started their grassroots season campaigns by now.
Redan's Zach Forbes said fitness was one thing, but maintaining football skills was another. Mr Forbes said while every team was on an even playing field in one sense, it would be interesting when matches finally returned who had best kept some form.
"The majority of footballers can work on fitness and strength. It's not so much that we will need a pre-season before whenever we do play again, but it's having a footy in hand and kicking skills that are important," Mr Forbes said. "Everyone's in it together, but if you want to keep your game, you'll find ways to do it."
Redan, like other clubs, has offered running and training programs for interested players. The Lions' senior footballers have a group chat and have had fun with goal-kicking competitions.
Mr Forbes said teamwork has been great in the confines of what they could do, and they have virtually been keeping each other honest.
Meanwhile, Maryborough AFL Masters have taken their mental game to the next level.
The Pumas did not want to miss their first game against Sunshine Heights, so each played a role to make it happen.
One player made a banner to run through with his children.
The coach delivered a half-time spray, based on what he thought might happen, and some players responded with thoughts from the huddle.
Training is themed and from home.
The Pumas are on a winning streak, but rivals are starting to catch on. One Puma told The Courier it was unsure how games would play out if the opposition wanted to join in, virtually, for real.
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