Why AFL coach Chris Scott is throwing his weight behind shutting the league down right in the middle of the season

Chris Scott has urged the AFL to consider introducing a mid-season winter break, with the Geelong coach insisting that the radical move would benefit the game.

Taking inspiration from Germany's Bundesliga, which shuts down during the entirety of January, Scott told the media on Thursday that players need to be able to 'switch off' from the rigours of the season.

'There has been a lot of discussion around how the competition could evolve,' he said. 

'I think one of those things that is generally on the table is an industry shutdown throughout the middle of the year.

'The best holidays are when everyone is away. When footy is still going, you can't be completely switched off from it all.

'I love the idea of talking about these things. I think everyone who has looked at it logically would come to the conclusion that this year has been a bit of a mess, so it will be different next year, there is no doubt about that.

'I think in principle, I am supportive of it [industry shutdown]. The reason the Christmas break is the best is because everyone is off. You can take a break in November but it's not the same because stuff is still going on.'

In Germany, the winter break - known as Die Winterpause - sees the Bundesliga pause for between four and six weeks.

Benefits of the break include better playing conditions for athletes as well as more time for recovery and strategic planning. 

Some teams also use the break for warm-weather training.