The next phase of the club’s pre-season program will begin next week, when the Sydney Swans fly north for a four-day training camp in Coffs Harbour.

For the second consecutive year, the Swans will utilise Coffs Harbour’s accommodation and first-class sporting facilities to perfect their preparations for the upcoming AFL season.

After last year’s positive experience up north, Swans coach John Longmire said the team was looking forward to returning to Coffs.

“It’s a really important phase for us,” he said.

“We went up there last year and loved our time there and thought it was a great spot to stay.

“We had a couple of really hard training sessions in front of the locals, which was terrific.

“We also got out and about and experienced a bit of what’s going on in Coffs and the boys also had a bit of free time which they enjoyed.”

The team will arrive in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday afternoon, and have a jam-packed schedule for the week including two open training sessions at C.ex Coffs International Stadium, a Chamber of Commerce breakfast, and a free AFL Superclinic for local kids.

The Superclinic will be a great opportunity for the local juniors to meet their favourite players, grab some autographs and photos, as well as learn a few tricks with the footy.

Swans players will also visit local schools and will host a QBE Sydney Swans Academy training session with talented young footballers in the region.

While a number of AFL clubs already completed overseas training as part of their pre-season programs, Longmire said he was confident the camp in Coffs would provide an equally beneficial experience for the playing group.

“Some clubs go away overseas for a number of weeks, but we don’t do that and we’ve kept our camps pretty short and like to stay a bit more local,” he said.

“We really enjoy it and enjoy getting away for a few days up to Coffs.

“Having our younger players and our older players getting to know each other a bit more is a good thing and the Coffs Harbour camp is the perfect time for that to happen.

“We really do think we get a lot of benefits out of it.”

Swans in Coffs itinerary

Tuesday, January 28:
Arrive in Coffs Harbour

Wednesday, January 29:
Open training session, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 8.30am-10.30am

Thursday, January 30:
Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Novotel Pacific Bay Resort, 7am-9am
School visits, 12pm-1pm
Kids Superclinic, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 4pm-5.45pm (kids must register to attend)

Friday, January 31:
Open training session, C.ex Coffs International Stadium, 8.30am-10.30am
Depart Coffs Harbour