Assistant coach Scott Camporeale believes the condition of the playing group – both physically and mentally – is the best he has seen during his five years at Windy Hill.
“Ever since I have been here – during two years as a player and coming into my third year as a coach – it is certainly the best I have seen,” Camporeale said.
“It is a credit to the fitness department’s programs and the players knuckling down and doing the work.“
Two days of fitness testing last week produced results which were the best in a number of years.
“The players were given a really solid program over the break and almost all of them, or 90 – 95% of the players, have recorded personal bests which is really good to see considering the two week break,” Camporeale said.
“I think the football department are really pleased as to where the group has come from over the past 12 months. Compared to this time last year the results are excellent, but also in terms of the lack of injuries which is also good at this time of the year.”
Braving the heat yesterday, the Bombers spent over an hour in a skills-based training session, impressing with their attitudes during the tough conditions.
“It was good yesterday, they trained really well and got through under the circumstances. We couldn’t be more pleased,” Camporeale said.
“We didn’t change the program we had planned for the day. Instead the players came off the track in between each session to make sure they were hydrated.
“They are really enjoying training at the moment. It is always good when you get back to training after Christmas because you are probably only a month from playing a game. You have done all the hard yards and now it is just about getting yourself ready for a game.”
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The club’s injury list is in good shape with only four players remaining on the list.
David Hille is progressing well after undergoing knee surgery last season, while Darcy Daniher (quad strain), Tyson Slattery (fibula) are two weeks away and Jason Laycock (calf) four weeks.
“Our injury list is really healthy and it is a real positive in terms of selection pressure,” Camporeale said.
“Selection pressure is a key characteristic of successful teams and it makes a real difference in how the team goes.
“It looks like we will more than likely have 40-odd guys available for an intraclub and possibly a NAB Cup game so it will be really tight for spots and it will be really good for the group and they understand that so they will need to be doing everything right to get a game.”
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