SHORTER quarters, crowd limits and strict protocols for players. Footy may finally be back, but the AFL has entered a brand new world.
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And Swans rising star James Bell can't wait to be out there among the action.
The AFL South Coast product will have to remain patient after being left out of Sydney's extended squad for Sunday's clash with the Bombers.
However, Bell, 21, said he had the assets that would suit the new, faster brand of football.
"My motivation to want to be out there has really gone through the roof," the Shellharbour junior said.
"It's going to be short turnarounds this season and the coaches have all said to be ready for an opportunity, because you don't know when it's going to be.
"I need to always be ready.
"My biggest strength is probably my gut running, keeping it at a high intensity.
"That's how I feel I run players off their legs, especially later in games.
"They seem to drop off and I keep going.
"When I'm near the ball, I just need to pick it up clean."
Read more: AFL South Coast announces July 18 start date
The midfielder, who was selected as a Category B rookie in the 2017 AFL Rookie Draft, made his debut in round 21 against Port Adelaide before facing Melbourne the following week.
"I loved the whole experience of going away to play in Adelaide and Melbourne with a senior side that you look up to, then then getting to run on alongside them," the Swans No.32 said.
"Sometimes you forget this is what I used to dream of.
"When you're trying to crack the first grade squad, this is a good opportunity, in life in general, just to be able to do what I love.
"It doesn't feel like work when you're doing what you love."
Sunday will mark nearly two months since the Swans last took the field.
They began their campaign with a thrilling win over the Crows in Adelaide before the sport was forced into shutdown.
Bell found a solid ally during the break, training regularly alongside star forward Isaac Heeney who helped him to stay motivated.
"It was good to keep that routine going, especially because he's locked in the seniors and I'm trying to make my way through," he said.
"I respect the way he goes about things. He's a good mate of mine but I also look up to him as well."
Bell grew up supporting the Swans and his game has been influenced by some of the club's best indigenous players, including Micky O'Loughlin, Lewis Jetta and Lance 'Buddy' Franklin.
Franklin, who continues to recover from a hamstring injury, has also been a great mentor for the young gun.
"'Bud' comes to me when he can sense something isn't going right for me," Bell said.
"He pushes me in the right direction and tells me to keep going."
