Justin Longmuir has told the Fremantle playing group to embrace their excitement when they return to the club for training on Monday, which will bring an end to an eight-week shutdown for AFL clubs.

The club’s players and approved staff joined an online conference on Sunday afternoon to discuss how the week will be structured.

The senior coach told the group that Monday would be a day worth celebrating.

“There’s not much more to say apart from how good is this? Footy is back!” Longmuir said.

“We need to make sure we get the most out of everything we do, there’s three and a half weeks until we get on the plane to the Gold Coast, so we’ve got to be ready, we’ve got to enjoy each other’s company, but still keep our distance.

“It’s great to be back around each other, it’s great to get rid of conference calls and actually see each other in the flesh.”

Longmuir warned training would look significantly different under AFL restrictions, which have been placed on all clubs to limit any potential spread of Covid-19.

Fremantle’s list has been split into seven groups for a week of non-contact training.

Players can only interact with those in their group and groups can only be changed after every player had undergone further testing and delivered a negative result for Covid-19.

“It’s going to be different guys, it’s going to be frustrating at times, no contact, no high-fives, no hugs, no changing bibs, no access to other groups,” Longmuir said.

“It’s going to be frustrating, but this is better than the alternative.”

Following a week of non-contact training, the AFL will allow full-contact training from Monday 25 May.

Fremantle high performance manager Jason Weber told the players to be smart about how they train in week one.

“Monday is going to be about seeing where everybody’s at,” Weber said.

“Our sole aim, is to give Justin a headache when he’s sitting down for selection for round two.

“Everyone’s expectation needs to be around getting ready to be available for Justin’s team training on the 25th, which is a little bit over a week away.

“Once we get through that contact phase, then we are playing.

“This is a different landscape, I’d just ask everybody to consider what we’re doing tomorrow and come in with different expectations.”

Longmuir urged the players familiarise themselves with the regulations prior to arriving at the club.

“I look forward to seeing you all, make sure you hunker down tonight and prepare for what to expect tomorrow,” Longmuir said.

“Put some time into your preparation, rock up really clear on what it all looks like and what we need to do.

“Get a good night’s sleep, see you tomorrow, I can’t wait!”