St Kilda officially kicked-off its pre-season campaign on Monday, with the 1-3 year players hitting the track in a testing first session at the Linen House Centre Frankston.

The players began with light skills work under the guidance of the new St Kilda coaching team, which was then followed by a physical conditioning session with new Elite Performance Manager Peter Burge.

Speaking after day one of St Kilda’s pre-season, Burge said that the Saints young players performed well in their first session of the summer.

“It was more of a moderate session given that it was their first run but I thought the boys handled it pretty well. It’s always a shock to the system for them initially.”

Burge outlined that the players could expect a pretty testing pre-season training regime as they geared up for season 2012.

“There will be a heavy conditioning, aerobic focus in the program, which probably won’t be too dissimilar to what they have done in the past. But there will probably be more repeat power and agility work given the way the game has changed over recent seasons,” said Burge.

There were two fresh faces out on the track with new recruits Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera having their first run as members of the St Kilda Football Club since being recruited during last month’s trade week.

Promising young forward Arryn Siposs said the Saints’ young crop of players were buoyed by the presence of experienced players Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes as they resumed full training today.

“Rooey was out on the ground today having a look and chatting to Scotty [Watters] about a few things and Lenny was doing a bit of work with Tom Ledger and myself; it was just really good to have some of the older guys around us.”

With a long pre-season looming, Siposs said there was a great feeling around the group.
“The vibe around the Club feels really good, I think everyone is excited about the year ahead.”

St Kilda’s 4-7 year players will commence training on Wednesday, while the entire List will resume training together next week.

Click here to see day 1 pre-season photos.

Stay tuned to saints.com.au for updates and photos of the Saint’s pre-season.