"KEEPING it real" was the key message from the Brisbane Lions to Townsville's coaches and players on Wednesday night, when the two groups met at the Community Football Forum at Tony Ireland Riverway Stadium.

In the wake of Geelong premiership player Nathan Ablett's decision to walk away from the game, the question of how to keep young players motivated was put to the Lions.

Brownlow Medallist Simon Black said it was apparent Ablett "just doesn't need football as much as others", but acknowledged "motivation can be tough for a young guy".

"The game means different things to different people," Black said.

"He's lost his passion. You probably don't have as much fun as when you were a kid playing the game. It happens."

Coach Leigh Matthews said while the players remain under "more pressure than ever", it's not surprising some will opt to cash their career in prematurely.

"Their livelihood and their passion are wound into one, and then they're under so much scrutiny," he said.

"There's always going to be a percentage of players that decide they can't do it, when they're under that much pressure."

When asked how to address an under-15 side at half-time, Matthew simply chuckled.

"You just need to keep it fun for them," he said.

Co-captain Jonathan Brown told potential players to avoid being pressured into undertaking full pre-seasons ahead of schedule, as the result can often be detrimental.

"Just play another sport in the off-season," he said.

"I just played cricket in the summer, and that kept me fit enough. Young players who do pre-seasons too early sometimes end up with back problems and groin problems … avoid doing them at all costs."