Second-year blues have become a well worn-out piece of football vocabulary in recent years, associated with a drop off in output following a strong debut season.
 
Preparation is key in the Sean Lemmens’ eyes. With pre-season No. 2 in its concluding stages, the South Australian has relished the increased workload he has received as part of his natural progress in the AFL ecosystem.
 
An increased focus on living, preparing and training to an elite set of standards under new coach Rodney Eade has helped Lemmens get more out of his body this pre-season. Something that will continue to be a major focus throughout the season.
 
Ahead of his second season at Metricon Stadium, Lemmens has focused closely on putting together a strong summer on the track to ensure he doesn’t fall victim to the game’s most in vogue curse.
 
“I think it’s just another big pre-season (this summer) and making sure my body stays as good as it can and keeping up with my recovery and things like that,” Lemmens told SUNS TV on Friday morning.
 
“It’s definitely a step up from last pre-season of course, coming into my second year now, it has been a good one, my body’s held up reasonably well I think.
 
“With a new coach coming on board, he’s had a massive emphasis on recovering and looking after our bodies.”

Lemmens: Indigenous All Stars camp highlight of my career to date

Lemmens featured in the recent AFL Indigenous All Stars camp held in Perth, with the dashing defender describing the overall experience as the highlight of his career to date.
 
Being able to observe and learn off bona fide champions of the game was an invaluable experience for the 20-year-old.
 
“It was good to go over and spend time with Cyril Rioli, Shaun Burgoyne, people I’ve looked up to before I got drafted,” Lemmens said.
 
“To see the way other clubs go about their preparation and things like that is awesome.”
 
The Port Adelaide Magpies product will begin his campaign against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday afternoon after being left out of last weekend’s NAB Challenge game to manage his workload ahead of the looming home and away season.