The training demands on AFL footballers are tough; with players undertaking grueling training regimes for 10 months a year.

Given the exhausting workloads and length of the season, you could understand that when players finally get a break, hitting the training track would be the last thing on their minds.

However this isn’t the case for young Saints rookie Tom Curren, with the exciting midfield prospect making the most of his time off, working hard to make important physical inroads and put his hand up for senior selection in season 2012.

In a recent interview with Saints TV, the 20 year old said he was eager to keep himself in top condition despite being on leave.

“I didn’t want to get too out of shape and wanted to get back [to the club] as soon as I could because I enjoy keeping myself in good condition.”

“At the start of my break I started just doing off-legs on the bike, boxing and some swimming and I’ve now started my running program.”

“It’s pretty grueling but it’s great to get back into it,” said Curren.

After spending his first year at the Saints on the rookie list, Curren outlined that pushing for a debut in season 2012 strongly motivated him to train hard.

“I’m really looking forward to season 2012, I’m just gearing up and trying to get myself prepared so that I can hopefully crack into the side for my first game.”

Having been born and raised in the local Frankston area, Curren said he was fortunate to have St Kilda’s Linen House Centre training facility so close to home.

“It’s great to have such a great facility so close to home for me. It’s just 10 minutes in the car and I can use the state of the art facilities and put myself in really good stead for season 2012.

“I’m finding myself here [Linen House Centre] more often than not, which is a good thing,” added Curren.