“They’ve all freshened up well and the boys were perky and full of energy at Monday morning’s Aerobic Flush session,” said Haines.
“We’re noticing their maturing in the first half of the season and are managing their bodies a lot more since the start of the year.”
It’s been a challenging premiership campaign so far for Guy McKenna and his ambitious coaching staff, with a series of injuries and suspensions to key players causing numerous headaches during match committee.
But the chopped and skewed positioning around the ground hasn’t been enough to stop the Coast from achieving team success multiple times this season, grinding out throughout all the turmoil to enter into this weekend’s Round 14 clash with a reputable win-loss record of 5-7.
Haines had hoped the boys would use the time away from Metricon Stadium to give their bodies a well-earned break to manage any signs of exhaustion or fatigue – and believes the message had been received loud and clear with the entire playing group having consistently followed their individual programs over the bye round.
“With a few players feeling a bit niggling and sore it was a good opportunity to freshen up mentally and physically,” he said.
“Many of them went away back home to visit family and we’ve seen a really change because they’re up and about and ready to take on Metricon Stadium this weekend.”
Rehabilitating trio Charlie Dixon, Harley Bennell and Jesse Lonergan are all on the brink of being passed fit – but would still be monitored closely in the lead-up to the side’s must-see clash against the Crows.
“All the guys in rehab came in last week as it was a perfect opportunity for them to get some extra training in and get a head start in their rehab,” Haines said.
“So the boys are coming along well in rehab and hopefully we’ll see them back soon.”
