WHILE the rest of the competition has headed interstate and overseas for pre-season training camps, Gold Coast has simply stepped out into its own backyard.

On Saturday the Suns ventured to the Canungra Kokoda Barracks – a 30-minute drive into the hinterland from Metricon Stadium – for a day of talks and physical challenges from the Australian Army centred on leadership.

AFL Media photographer Michael Willson was on hand to capture the images as the entire Gold Coast playing list and executive team were put through their paces.

It was part of three-day camp that included discussing behaviours and standards at Casuarina Beach, game-plan presentations from each coach at Bond University, and the day of leadership activities at the army base.

It was a far cry from the previous three seasons when the Suns had flown half way around the world to undergo altitude training in Arizona from their pre-season camp.

"The natural resources here on the Gold Coast are unbelievable," coach Rodney Eade said.

"I think we can maximise that and have different environments, different workplaces and different activities on our backdoor.

"The weather is great for fitness, the heat and humidity, also you've got the beach, the hinterland and a whole range of different places we can utilise.

"Teams in Australia look for altitude, but this will be a place to look for heat, and there's so many other things to do. It's a great location."

Mitch Hallahan leaps into water during the army training. Picture: Michael Willson

At Canungra one group of Gold Coast players did orienteering, while the other group took on an obstacle course before they switched over in the afternoon.

Veteran Michael Rischitelli said it was more than just a change from pre-season training.

"It was a lot of fun, the boys love doing that sort of stuff," Rischitelli said.

"We had an hour-and-a-half talk going through some leadership things and then put that into practice, so we get the best of both worlds.

"We don't get to experience the leadership qualities you need in war, but this is the closest we'll get."

Suns players voted on their leadership group at the weekend, with the announcement to be made later this week.

Eade said Sydney Swans recruit Nick Malceski had been a standout since his move north, while David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara had also shone among the younger players.

Young Sun Louis Herbert crawling on all fours through the obstacle course. Picture: AFL Media

Touk Miller (left) helps Tyron Downie during the obstacle course. Picture: AFL Media






Suns players scale a wall as teammates watch on. Picture: AFL Media

Sam Day falls back into the water. Picture: AFL Media

Nick Malceski in action through the obstacle course. Picture: AFL Media