Essendon is looking to replicate the intensity of an AFL match in its training in the build up to the home and away season.
The Bombers are implementing more ‘match-play’ into their weekly program and midfielder Ben Howlett said the effort required to get through the sessions can exceed the output required on game day.
“Justin Crow (High Performance Manager) is pushing the limit with us and making match-play as hard as it can be,” Howlett said.
“It’s harder than probably a game is.
“It has been fantastic, obviously getting back into the contested style and I’m really enjoying our ball movement and the guys are playing really well which is exciting.
“The body is holding up well and us older guys and getting put in cotton wool a little bit so it’s nice.”
‘Match play’ sees the squad broken up in to two teams and pitted against each other in a virtual AFL match.
Games vary in length and can sometimes be followed by further endurance training or weight sessions.
Howlett concedes there can be some extra soreness, but knows it will have he and his teammates in good condition for round one.
“We’re well looked after by the fitness staff, they’ve been monitoring our loads and looking after us older guys,” he said.
“It has been a lot of fun and I’ve been enjoying it.”
Howlett is the third greatest tackler in Essendon history behind Brent Stanton and Jobe Watson.
The trio return to an Essendon midfield this season that gained valuable exposure throughout 2016.
“Obviously we’re going to have a lot of guys go through there and you can just see the younger guys have come along really well and they’ve really learnt their craft really well last year,” Howlett said.
The Bombers begin their JLT Community Series against Collingwood on February 16.
“I’m not sure how many (JLT) games I’ll play just yet, we’ll just have to wait and see but I’m really excited and can’t wait to get out there,” Howlett said.
Dons top tacklers
Brent Stanton - 831
Jobe Waton - 764
Ben Howlett - 728
Mark McVeigh - 628
Heath Hocking - 600
Mark Johnson - 537
David Zaharakis - 516
Patrick Ryder - 514
Jason Johnson - 490
Andrew Welsh - 474
