Northern Heat learn from the Sydney Swans

The Northern Heat squad were put through their paces on a hot day in Armidale on Saturday, where the highlight of the day was working with a former Sydney Swans Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Matt Pine spent seven years on the Swans staff during a period when they very rarely missed out on playing Finals footy. He shared his experience with the squad, demonstrating correct exercise technique and providing the players with an AFL specific running and strength program that they will follow over the December and January period.

With a match to be played against the strong Surfers Paradise/Southport Colts in March, coach Alan Martin knows the importance of the Northern Heat players being fit and ready at that point.

“With our program incorporating players from both the North West and North Coast we can’t get together on a regular basis like the Surfers Paradise/Southport team can, so we’re starting at a disadvantage. Matt Pine’s expertise in this area, and the quality program that he’s given our boys means that we can match them from a fitness perspective and give ourselves every chance of performing well.”

In addition to the gym based session, the Heat squad also completed a footy training session that focused on switching play, defensive patterns, and creating space around the contest.

“Much of what we did in that session was new to the boys and they struggled with it initially. Credit it to them, they stuck with it and picked up the new patterns quickly and by the end of the session the group looked like a team that have played together for years.

“This is why this group is so exciting. They’re a talented, committed group that are prepared to work hard during the off season and I know that they’ll reap the rewards of that hard work,” Martin said.

The squad will now focus on their individual programs before training resumes on 1 February.

The Northern Heat squad is:

Angus Anderson, Sawtell Toormina Saints (North Coast)

Kade Bagnall, Grafton Tigers (North Coast)

Hayden Baker, Gunnedah Bulldogs (North West)

Tim Beattie, Inverell Saints (North West)

Danny Brown, Moree Suns (North West)

Tyler Donovan, Sawtell Toormina Saints (North Coast)

Morgan Dunn, New England Nomads (North West)

Justin Eggert, Port Macquarie (North Coast)

Nick Fisher, Moree Suns (North West)

Marraki Kilpatrick, Port Macquarie (North Coast)

Lachie Martin, Inverell Saints (North West)

Dylan Moore, New England Nomads (North West)

Alex Pyke, Sawtell Toormina Saints (North Coast)

Riley Sandral, Inverell Saints (North West)

Ronan Singleton, Sawtell Toormina Saints (North Coast)

Camden Sparke-Gaukroger, Inverell Saints (North West)

Liam Spencer, Coffs Harbour Breakers (North Coast)

Ryan Swann, New England Nomads (North West)

Noah Swarski, Grafton Tigers (North Coast)

Jasper Thomas, Gunnedah Bulldogs (North West)

Mal Troutman, Sawtell Toormina Saints (North Coast)

Des Tuckerman, Gunnedah Bulldogs (North West)

Evan Whitty, Grafton Tigers (North Coast)

Kye Wilson, Port Macquarie (North Coast)