The Bombers have placed a focus on match simulation since returning to pre-season training in January with Mark Thompson at the helm.

Since returning to the track the group has undertaken more match play drills in an attempt to prepare for their Round one clash against North Melbourne on March 21.

“We will train right through the NAB Cup and right through to Round One with some pretty high intensity.”

“There will be much more game simulation type training so the guys have been doing it well now for three weeks and that will continue.

“I like the energy of the group, the way they are going about their footy and I think we are seeing some good improvement.”

Midfielder Travis Colyer said the players were enjoying the more match-focused style of training.

“We have been doing a fair bit of match play and putting scenarios in place so that when the games are in certain positions we know what to do,” he said.

“A big focus these days is reactions under fatigue and skills under fatigue to see how you respond as a player.”

“With the new interchange cap coming in guys are going to be tested late in games and late in quarters.”

The 22-year-old said he had been working hard throughout the pre-season to add versatility to his game to the level of playing either up forward or in the midfield.

“I have been working pretty hard with Simon Goodwin through the midfield and Nathan Bassett down forward,” Colyer said.

“There is a combination of roles with the modern player these days not being able to be stuck in one role or one position.”

“Not a whole lot has changed but it is just the continued improvement from the areas last year that I personally recognised that I wanted to improve and where I wanted to get to this season.”

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