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Strength to Strength

Friday, February 16, 2018 - 5:56 PM

Head of Sports Science, Matthew Riley gives another insight into how the boys are tracking this preseason, 42 days out from Round 1

  • Bit about you in the new role, how you’ve settled in and how the boys have taken to your program
    • I have moved into the role with a strong focus on reducing the injury list from last year. The squad as a whole has amazing depth but unfortunately hasn’t had the best run with injuries the past few seasons.
    • I feel as the playing group and coaching staff have welcomed me into the role and have been very willing to trust the processes I have put in place to have the best opportunity to put our strongest team on the park come round 1.
       
  • Who’s impressed you on the track?
    • Youth (coming up from Colts)
      • Hamish Rodger has come back in fantastic condition over the off season and currently stand as one of our elite runners. Other boys such as Tim Bockman and Zachery Jackson have also shown great promise.
         
  • Senior Players
    • The addition of Griff, Jansen, Beokhorst, Kommer has really made a difference to the team. Their class and leadership has instantly shown within the playing group on the track.
       
  • What’s been the focus(‘s) of preseason?
    • The big focus that the coaching staff have pushed this off season is mental toughness. We know the boys have what it takes to be a great football side but we’ve had to break through a few mental walls for them to realise they have what it takes.
       
  • How did the boys come back after the Christmas Break?
    • The players came back from the Christmas break in good shape and should be commended for their effort during the holiday period.
    • As a playing group they have shown they are willing to put in the effort to get the results as this has been reflected in their time trial result. With most boys running personal bests this season.
       
  • Any one in particular to watch in 2018?
    • It goes without saying that the inclusions of the returning AFL players will give us a massive boost with player depth. If we are able to get good seasons out of them I am confident we will be able to push any side this season.
    • One player I’m particularly excited to see is Tommy Marshall. With his newfound running ability he should be exciting to watch this year.
       
  • Focus leading up to the games in March
    • We have some very big inclusions from last year tacking for round 1 vs Peel. The focus right now is to keep training intensity high and get as much time on the track as we can.