GEELONG coach Chris Scott fears that the likelihood of star players burning out has increased, as the physical and mental demands of the game grow.
Asked on Tuesday whether he sometimes worried about his skipper Joel Selwood, Scott said he was concerned about all his players given the physical and mental toll of the game.
Describing coaching as much easier than playing, Scott said the AFL industry should have a conversation about what is driving some stars to say nowadays that the fun has gone out of playing.
"It's a good conversation to have. Right at the moment I haven't got too many answers," Scott said.
"It should be a concern for us. We shouldn't just stick our heads in the sand and say, 'He's a tough player, he's a hard worker, he'll be right, he'll push his way through it.' I think that's a little naive."
Scott conceded that many people outside the AFL would have little sympathy for the players and while he understood that point of view, he still thought a balanced discussion was required.
"A lot of hard nosed people outside the AFL would be thinking when they hear this conversation - harden up a little bit. It can be tough at times but you get well and truly rewarded for those difficulties," he said.
"I think there is a level of the grass being greener on the other side [and] maybe if they [players] had a bit of a taste of the other side you'd say other professions aren't that easy either."
AFLPA chief Paul Marsh told Fairfax on Saturday he was concerned about feedback from players that suggested their enjoyment levels weren't as high as they should be.
Scott said when he heard the same message from players he respected, he took note.
"I think it really hits home when you see the great players who work really hard and are really solid citizens suggesting that maybe the fun has gone out of the game a little bit," Scott said.