A PRESEASON training camp in Swan Hill was an eye-opening two days for a group of talented juniors hungry to make it to the top.
The weekend, particularly for the Bendigo Pioneers bottom-age players, provided a challenging mix of sessions, including boxing and swimming.
TAC Cup Pioneers coach Dave Newett said the goals of the annual camp in Swan Hill had been to bond as a team, provide the young players with a mentally challenging program and identify the natural leaders among the group. He said those goals had all been met.
“We needed to identify the guys who were going to step up, to see who’s mentally strong and won’t throw in the towel,” he said.
Newett said many of the sessions, including a boxing program conducted by Daniel Uebergang, put the players “outside their comfort zone”.
“It’s a big wake up call, they’re not used to that sort of regiment,” he said.
“They have to be on time, be ready, they have to deal with sleep deprivation.
“But TAC footy is a tough challenge. This leads in to being able to take a full season of it; hopefully it gives them the tools to be able to do it.”
The Pioneers’ 2014 squad includes Daniel Patterson and Rhys Free (from Cohuna Kangas), Jay Skate and Brad Heffer (Koondrook Barham), Jake Maher and Sam Ayre (Mallee Eagles), Matt Pickering (Lake Boga), Arnold Kirby (Swan Hill), Jaden McGrath (Kerang) and Cameron Barrett (Balranald).
Newett said they, and the Pioneers other players, would be responsible for selecting the leadership group for the upcoming season.
He said the Pioneers were hopeful of a better showing this season than last.
“Most definitely the top-age players have improved — it’s been another quantum leap for them,” he said.
“We were competitive last year but couldn’t get over the line.”
Newett said he was grateful to the support of Daniel Uebergang in holding the weekend.
The Bendigo Pioneers season starts on March 29 against Murray Bushrangers in Shepparton.
