Senior's Pre-Season Wrap with Kyle Baskerville

Preparation for Season 2024 kicked off in early December. It was exciting to see everyone returning in high spirits and great condition. It was noticeable that the playing group had put in considerable work over the break, highlighted by the times ran in the 2km time trial. The standard of training, both on the track and in the gym, has been at an elite level. 

We have a number of Colts players who are progressing into the Senior program. This group have been training with great purpose and intensity, which is a testament to the Colts coaching staff for preparing them for Senior football. Griffin Vladich is one of the graduating Colts players who has really impressed over the first block of pre-season. He has an excellent aerobic capacity for his size and his contested marking ability has been on display. Hopefully some of these boys can press for League opportunities in the Trial games. 

Jed Hagan returns to the club this year after spending time in the SANFL on Port Adelaide’s list. He is a neat ball user with clean hands and has returned in super condition, allowing him to be one of our top trainers. Exciting to see Michael Tassone, Jamie Meade and Max Murphy resume training with the main group after an injury interrupted year. Blaine Boekhorst is back at training and building into pre-season nicely. Elijah Burrows, Phoenix Knight and Luke Kenny got their first taste of Reserves football last year and have been notable on the training track with their hard running. 

Prior to going on the Christmas break, the club held a lunch at the Swan Yacht Club with the men’s and woman’s squads to send off season 2023 and celebrate our premiership winning seasons. It was great to have both groups enjoy a lunch together and be able to unwind and reflect on all that was achieved. The Swan Yacht Club were fantastic hosts and put on a lunch for all to enjoy, which was greatly appreciated. Secret Santa gift giving then proceeded which was a great way to finish off the afternoon with the playing group, coaching staff and board members all in attendance. 

Embarking on another campaign, our focus is solely on preparing well for the 2024 season. We understand the work that needs to go into a successful season, and it is great to see the commitment from the whole playing group and coaching staff to ensure we set ourselves up for another big year. 

Go Sharks!