More than 45 turned up in sweltering conditions for Queenscliff's first night of pre-season training
FOOTBALL - Queenscliff's senior footballers have sweated it out in 30-plus degree conditions, in early preparations for a fresh assault on next season's Bellarine Football League premiership.
With new coach Steve Clark at the helm, a squad of more than 40 were put through their paces in a series of gruelling time trials and skill drills on the first night of training last month.
The former Leopold premiership coach said the strong turnout was a sign of positive season ahead.
"The roll-up has been fantastic. There's 46 here tonight and there was a dozen apologies, so that's a great effort on the first night," Clark said.
"The competition for spots will no doubt drive the squad that little bit harder... with the numbers being around, the training steps up and the enjoyment steps up."
Among the new faces was new recruit Ben Carmichael. The classy midfielder followed Clark from the Lions.
Other recruits include Nick Aringo (Waubra), Mitch Butteriss (Leopold), Tim Connolly (Leopold), Nathan Monk (Lake Wendouree) and Brayden Warren (Ocean Grove).
"At this stage it looks like there could be nine new players," said Clark.
"All the boys that have come here now have played some pretty good senior footy and they should be capable of doing that this coming season.
"But the most improvement you always get from your list comes from within, so someone from within will be the biggest surprise packet, putting in a big pre-season or playing in a new position or whatever it will be.
'The flip side I hope none of these blokes get too comfortable because then they'll probably have a comfortable year," Clark said.
With new coach Steve Clark at the helm, a squad of more than 40 were put through their paces in a series of gruelling time trials and skill drills on the first night of training last month.
The former Leopold premiership coach said the strong turnout was a sign of positive season ahead.
"The roll-up has been fantastic. There's 46 here tonight and there was a dozen apologies, so that's a great effort on the first night," Clark said.
"The competition for spots will no doubt drive the squad that little bit harder... with the numbers being around, the training steps up and the enjoyment steps up."
Among the new faces was new recruit Ben Carmichael. The classy midfielder followed Clark from the Lions.
Other recruits include Nick Aringo (Waubra), Mitch Butteriss (Leopold), Tim Connolly (Leopold), Nathan Monk (Lake Wendouree) and Brayden Warren (Ocean Grove).
"At this stage it looks like there could be nine new players," said Clark.
"All the boys that have come here now have played some pretty good senior footy and they should be capable of doing that this coming season.
"But the most improvement you always get from your list comes from within, so someone from within will be the biggest surprise packet, putting in a big pre-season or playing in a new position or whatever it will be.
'The flip side I hope none of these blokes get too comfortable because then they'll probably have a comfortable year," Clark said.
