Davoren, who worked with Triathlon Australia and helped the likes of Emma Snowsill win gold at Beijing, quit the sport following the Olympics to turn his attention to AFL and, more particularly, the Bulldogs.
He has mapped out the club’s pre-season campaign and while persistent rain and chilly conditions might have given Saturday morning’s open session the feel of a wintry mid-season training run, the grueling running and boxing drills in between the ballwork ensured the off-season vibe remained.
“It was a tough session today, that was probably the toughest they’ve had.” coach Rodney Eade said after the spirited hit-out.
“They’ve worked really hard over the last six weeks. I suppose every club’s going to say that, but we’re really pleased with where the guys are at at the moment.”
Stars Adam Cooney, Robert Murphy, Brian Lake and Mitch Hahn sat out most of Saturday’s intense workout, but the remainder of Eade’s side looked in good shape during the two-hour workout.
The coach believes Davoren has been instrumental in the Bulldogs’ impressive physical state in what has been a tighter pres-season schedule due to the club’s involvement in finals.
“Certainly last year they worked extremely hard and we started a lot earlier [last year],” Eade said.
“This year’s a bit of the mentality of maybe they know they can go another step and with Bill Davoren on board … the players have responded very well to his program, which is a pretty tough program but it’s been in a shorter space of time.
“We didn’t start until November 10 and I think the level of intensity we’ve had at training, I think the guys have been surprised how much they can push through that pain barrier and I think they’ve been really pleased with what they’ve done.”
Eade said Brownlow Medallist Cooney had resumed running although fellow knee patient Murphy was unlikely to hit the track until January.
“[Murphy’s] knee is coming along extremely well,” Eade said.
“He’s doing a lot of cross training and is working extremely hard.”
Eade said defender Lake, who is the club’s other long-term concern after having hip surgery, would be fit and firing ahead of the 2009 season.
“He started running last week as well, so he’ll certainly be right by round one.”
