A visibly leaner Mitch Hallahan has put a frustrating 2016 campaign behind him and is determined to prove himself as an AFL footballer in 2017.
The former Hawk managed just five games for the SUNS last year, sidelined early with a fractured foot before struggling to cement a spot in Rodney Eade’s best 22 later in the season.
Perceived by many as lacking leg speed, the inside midfielder has lost over five kilograms in the off-season in a bid to increase his aerobic capacity and ability to cover the ground during games.
It came as a result of the 24-year-old’s end-of-season reviews, where he was given a simple message by the club’s high performance team – to lose weight.
READ: Ah Chee's hidden musical talent
“Probably the biggest thing was I had to shed some kilos over the off-season,” Hallahan told SUNS TV.
“I managed to do that, dropped about five-and-a-half kilos over my break.
“So that was probably the most clear message from them was lose weight, increase your running capacity and I feel like I’ve been able to tick those two boxes.”
The Sorrento product admits following a strict diet over the holiday period wasn't an easy task, the significant sacrifices are now paying dividends this pre-season.
“It’s helped a lot in terms of my running and all that sort of stuff. Just being able to cover the ground a lot more. I feel fresh, I feel energetic,” Hallahan said.
“Although it was pretty mentally challenging over the break not to eat or drink too much, I’m reaping the rewards for it now so couldn’t be happier."
The recruitment of the likes of Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons, the return to fitness of Gary Ablett and David Swallow and the addition of talented young midfielders Will Brodie and Jack Bowes will make the task of locking down a spot in Gold Coast’s engine room much more difficult in 2017.
READ: Culture and standards driven from top down
Hallahan believes this has lifted the club’s depth to AFL standard and could be a catalyst to the SUNS resurgence on field, regardless of who pulls on the guernsey each week.
“It’s pretty ferocious out there at the moment to try and cement yourself into that round one side. We’ve still got two months to go,” Hallahan said.
“Training’s been hot, not only the conditions out there but the boys are really excited. They’re having a crack and the depth that we’ve got at the club now is AFL standard and I think it’s healthy. All the boys really pushing to put their hand up and impress the coaching staff.
“It burns the fire a little bit deeper. You have quality players come in it’s only going to lift the standard of your own performance but also the team’s performance.
“Everyone wants to play week in, week out. Reality of football is it doesn’t happen so I think it’s going to hopefully eventuate to some on-field success for us this year.”
