Out on the Metricon Stadium surface for almost three hours, the players were put through their paces in the warm and testing conditions, completing gruelling 1km repetitions.
Midfielder David Swallow is just one of many leading endurance runners at the GC SUNS, but conceded to goldcoastfc.com.au the long-distance target tested the players both physically and mentally.
“The boys did five 1km time trials today, and it certainly proved to be a pretty solid session,” he said.
Additionally, defensive coach Dean Solomon also took the players through a physical and combative training circuit, with a strong focus on tackling and groundball pressure.
Breaking into pairs, players competed against each other in the centre square, driving their full body weight against their opposition as counterparts did their best to stick the tackle.
No slouch to the physical aspect of the game, Sam Day revealed combative training has formed an important part of the club’s training program post-Christmas.
“As part of our pre-season we are looking to be more aggressive, and really improve the physical part of our game so we can continue competing with the bigger bodies in the AFL,” Day said.
“It’s been great learning new techniques to tackle harder and pin down opposition.”
While most AFL players from across the competition will be eagerly awaiting the rest and recovery that accompanies the Christmas break, Day said many of the club’s players were already looking at where they could improve upon their return in the New Year.
“It’s good to see everyone out there and continuing to train really hard heading into the Christmas break,” he said.
“Hopefully everyone can stay fit and healthy and come back firing.”
For a full photo gallery of the Open Training Session visit our Facebook page
To renew your membership, or to learn how you can “Fire Up” this season, simply visit goldcoastfcmembership.com.au or call the GC SUNS Membership services Team on 1300 784 436 (Monday - Friday, 9am until 5pm).
Please note, the Membership Call Centre will be closing over the Christmas break, but will return to normal operating hours as of Monday 6 January.
