Versatile third-year player Jake Carlisle says he is gradually adapting to the physical demands of an AFL pre-season, despite a gruelling campaign under second year coach James Hird.
Carlisle, who proved his versatility late in the 2011 season as both a forward and backman, said the playing list was enjoying both the training and physical conditioning sessions.
“We’re training hard and I think all the boys are pretty happy with how things are going so far this pre-season,” Carlisle said.
“Dean (Robinson) obviously has a big, tough pre-season in store for us and he’s proved that so far, but we’re happy with that and hopefully we’re now going to get somewhere.
“We all love a challenge, so we’re just trying to enjoy it at the moment.”
Carlisle said the physical demands of the pre-season campaign were a challenge both mentally and physically for the players.
“It’s a hard game and we do train hard,” he said.
“It is challenging both mentally and physically on our bodies, but I think with experience you slowly become used to it all.
“After each session, the main messages from the fitness department are on the importance of recovery.”
After a break-out year in 2011, the 20-year-old says he is hoping to take his game to a new level next season.
“Personally, I managed to play a few games last season which I was happy about. I think that if I have a good pre-season and put in the hard work and put on a few more kilos, I want to be able to hold down a key position spot in the side next year,” Carlisle said.
“I think consistency is the key, so I’ll definitely be working hard this pre-season.”
Carlisle said the Bombers had much to learn from the 2011 season, as the club looks to build on overall improvement and development across the board.
“While we were happy with last season, it obviously wasn’t as good as what we wanted with the standards that were set. We want to get better in every aspect of the game and we want to continue to improve and develop the players.”
Carlisle, who proved his versatility late in the 2011 season as both a forward and backman, said the playing list was enjoying both the training and physical conditioning sessions.
“We’re training hard and I think all the boys are pretty happy with how things are going so far this pre-season,” Carlisle said.
“Dean (Robinson) obviously has a big, tough pre-season in store for us and he’s proved that so far, but we’re happy with that and hopefully we’re now going to get somewhere.
“We all love a challenge, so we’re just trying to enjoy it at the moment.”
Carlisle said the physical demands of the pre-season campaign were a challenge both mentally and physically for the players.
“It’s a hard game and we do train hard,” he said.
“It is challenging both mentally and physically on our bodies, but I think with experience you slowly become used to it all.
“After each session, the main messages from the fitness department are on the importance of recovery.”
After a break-out year in 2011, the 20-year-old says he is hoping to take his game to a new level next season.
“Personally, I managed to play a few games last season which I was happy about. I think that if I have a good pre-season and put in the hard work and put on a few more kilos, I want to be able to hold down a key position spot in the side next year,” Carlisle said.
“I think consistency is the key, so I’ll definitely be working hard this pre-season.”
Carlisle said the Bombers had much to learn from the 2011 season, as the club looks to build on overall improvement and development across the board.
“While we were happy with last season, it obviously wasn’t as good as what we wanted with the standards that were set. We want to get better in every aspect of the game and we want to continue to improve and develop the players.”
