SOUTH Bendigo is gearing up for the start of its pre-season training, with the Bloods to hit the track at Harry Trott Oval next Monday.

"We're looking forward to getting stuck into it... it will be good to get around each other again and back to some sort of normality," South Bendigo coach Nathan Horbury said on Thursday.

"We had an information night last week about our guidelines and expectations and we had close to 50 blokes spread out over a number of sessions.

"All the boys are just keen to get back and have a kick of the footy again and catch up with their mates."

At this stage the only departure from the Bloods is Dylan McCutcheon to Koroit.

"Apart from that we've re-committed everyone on the list. We just need to add a couple of recruits that we're working on," Horbury said.

Meanwhile, AFL Victoria released its updated return to training and games protocols on Thursday.

For senior players (aged 19 or over) training is permitted provided:

1. It is conducted outdoors;

2. It is non-contact (i.e. no tackling, no bumping, no marking contests);

3. Social distancing of 1.5m can always be maintained;

4. No more than the minimum number of participants required to conduct the training participate in the activity;

5. The use of indoor facilities, other than change rooms and toilet facilities, is not permitted;

6. Clubrooms and indoor sitting areas remain closed.

For junior footballers aged 18 and under, contact training is permitted.

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