It's a really good question. It is not just turning up to the SCG on a Saturday night, pulling on the guernsey, lacing up the boots and running out. There is a bit more to it. I'll briefly explain...
Our week starts with a big emphasis on recovery. A game can be very
taxing on the body so its important to properly recover. We do this by plunging in ice baths (10 degrees celsius), getting massages, stretching and even yoga sessions.
We complete two weights sessions every week to maintain strength and power. For players that need to gain extra strength (cough... Taylor Gilchrist!) they will be required to do a third session. Normally you will find players in there during their free time just working on their pipes!
We also have 'off legs' sessions which is basically exercising without the load and stress on the body of running. These are sessions like boxing, swimming, and stints on the bikes and rowing machines. They are very important as they give the legs a rest whilst still working on our fitness.
There is two skills sessions per week where we work on areas of our game that need improvement. We also practice tactics and set-ups we plan to use in the upcoming game. Our main session usually goes for about 2 hours so it's important we get everything ticked off before heading into the big game.
Probably the most important part of the week is the previewing and reviewing of games. It is vital that we review the past game and find areas that need addressing. We watch match footage and those areas are displayed for all to see. Once we have been through the reviewing phase, we move onto
the previewing. We do a lot of homework on the opposition team and key players, and come up with a plan to win the game. There are usually 4 or 5 meetings in the week.
With all this completed, its time to perfom!
HMAS Sydney II Commemorative Football Game
Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles
Saturday 24 April, 2010, SCG, 2:10pm
Tickets from Ticketek
