Since November 1, the playing group has spent eight weeks enduring a tough and albeit different pre-season.

A new rehab coach in ex-player Matthew Bode, a new strength and conditioning coach and a specialist sprinting coach from the Brisbane Broncos have overseen the first part of Adelaide’s pre-season program.

Along with various football and running sessions on Max Basheer Reserve, the squad headed to Blanchetown for a training camp in late November and will also head to the Gold Coast for a training week in January.

Last Thursday the squad completed a 16 v 16 internal trial which included new players such as Brodie Smith and Ian Callinan.

Richard Douglas and Brodie Martin looked good in the midfield while Taylor Walker and Shaun McKernan were lively up forward.

Andy Otten and Brad Moran were also able to get through the hitout which was a good sign for two players who missed a lot of football in 2010.

afc.com.au caught up with Patrick Dangerfield Rory Sloane to talk about the first few weeks of training before they both headed back to Victoria to relax with their family and friends over the festive season…


The first block of training is done now as we head into 2011. How was it?

Patrick: “Without a doubt the changes to it has helped a little. It is going to aid us and help us to peak at the right time next year coming into round one. Hopefully the start of the season, the middle of the season and the end of the season we are feeling fresher and playing better footy.”

Rory: “It’s been completely different to last year. We’ve had two more weeks here and it’s actually felt like it’s gone quicker. The way it has been run has been different. It’s good to come into Christmas and have everyone feeling good and everyone is training well.”

Patty, how did you approach the pre-season after the trip to Ireland?

Patrick: “I started a few weeks behind the main group, so when I came back I had a bit of a monitored program because of my workload over in Ireland. I’m feeling really good though going into the break, and I think that the training program has changed slightly has really helped the boys stay fresh.”

Thursday’s session you had a short scratch match. How was the hitout?

Patrick: “It was our first opportunity to have a real crack at each other. I’m sure bragging rights were up for grabs at this time of the year, so it was a good solid hit out. To see a couple of the younger boys who we haven’t seen in a game situation yet was good to see them in different roles. Seeing someone like Andy Otten who hasn’t played in 12 months to come out and play some good footy was great. It was a lot better than just getting out there and training and running our butts off.”

Rory: “I pulled up alright but I was a bit flat afterwards, it takes it out of you when you play a game. Everyone did pretty well. Our session on Tuesday was maybe a little scrappy with the skills, so it was a big target for everyone to get our skills right. There were some good signs, everyone was cracking in.”

You’ve both earned the break, so what are your plans over Christmas? Surfing and fishing I’m guessing?

Patrick: “I’ll head back home and catch up with all the family. We start again on January 4th so I’ve got a good two week period to catch up with everyone and get ready to crack back in next year.”

Rory: “I’ll spend a bit of time with the family back in Upwey, and then I’m heading down to Wilson’s Promontory National Park down in Southern Victoria. Looking forward to doing a bit of surfing and just getting away from everything for a bit. It’ll be nice and relaxing.”