By: JAMES BRESNEHAN
``We've brought in a new fitness coach, Damien Lawler, and he's conditioned us to be quicker and smarter.''
Lawler started working with the Tigers in October and has set a training program that has hit the spot with Lewis.
``He's been fantastic for us. He really knows his business,'' Lewis said.
``We did a lot of long running last year and we were fit.
``But this year we've been doing more shorter and sharper running, so we'll be endurance fit, but aerobically we'll be fitter as well.''
Those Tigers players who need extra work have been assigned to additional strength-building programs and boot camps.
Lewis has also introduced a process whereby his leadership group -- skipper Andrew Lemm, Danny and Clint Flood, Jake Briggs, Michael Cassidy, Trent Harvey and Phil Greeves -- takes more responsibility for player management.
``When I took over last year we had no leadership group,'' Lewis said.
``It was me, and me alone.
``But this year the leadership group has taken on more responsibility.
``They monitor injuries and conditioning, and they have taken control of fitness groups so on two mornings a week when we don't have training they take extra sessions.''
Lewis' ambition for Hobart this season is a spot in the top six -- the TSL finals series will be fought out by the top six teams on the ladder at the end of the home-and-away series.
``Because the TSL is kicking off, there's a lot of pressure on the coaching staff, so we expect the side to be ultra-competitive,'' Lewis said.
``We'll be aiming to finish in fourth or fifth spot -- fifth would be nice in our first year.''
Hobart has recruited wisely, mainly adding speed and ball-gathering potential to its midfield.
The list includes onballer Joe McCulloch, from New Norfolk, as playing assistant-coach.
AT A GLANCE
Coach: Todd Lewis.
Captain: Andrew Lemm.
Last year: SFL Premier League, fifth.
GAINS
Joe McCulloch (New Norfolk), Blair Kean (Glenorchy), Ellis Perry (New Norfolk), Matthew Cleary (Kingborough), Zac Johnson Kingborough), Patrick Bass (Huonville), Isaac Manuella (Kingborough), Scott Dickson (Labradore, Queensland State League), Larry Owen (Sandy Bay), Jamie Clark (Sandy Bay), Lewis Connor (Sandy Bay), Julian Direen (Cygnet).
LOSSES
Brent Dickson (Queensland).
THE DRAW
Rd 1: Glenorchy (TCA) April 10
Rd 2: Launceston (Windsor Park) April 18
Rd 3: Lauderdale (L'dale) April 25
Rd 4: Clarence (Bellerive) May 2
Rd 5: North Hobart (TCA) May 9
Rd 6: Devonport (Dport) May 16
Rd 7: Sth Launceston (TCA) May 23
Rd 8: Glenorchy (TCA) May 30
Rd 9: Burnie (West Park) June 13
Rd 10: Lauderdale (L'dale) June 20
Rd 11: Clarence (TCA) June 27
Rd 12: North Hobart (TCA) July 4
Rd 13: Glenorchy (KGV) July 18
Rd 14: N Launceston (TCA) July 25
Rd 15: Lauderdale (TCA) August 1
Rd 16: Clarence (Bell) August 8
Rd 17: Devonport (TCA) August 15
Rd 18: Nth Hobart (NH) August 22
PLAYER LIST
1 Perry Ellis
2 Trent Nicholas
3 Mathew Cleary
4 Stuart Clark
5 Cameron Beck
6 Jake Briggs
7 Andrew Lemm
8 Trent Harvey
9 Patrick Bass
11 Joe McCullock
12 Jake Strike
13 Luke Sullivan
14 Liam Azzopardi
15 Jarratt Horton
16 Johnathan Hall
17 Danny Flood
18 David Clark
19 Ross Hugo
20 Clint Flood
21 Tim Cooley
23 Michael Cassidy
24 Tim Langdale
25 Scott Dickson
26 Nick Garrett
27 Clint Stewart
28 Justin Harvey
29 Josh Chaplin
30 Mitch Butters
33 Ryan Sullivan
34 Blair Kean
35 Alex Clark
36 Will Lewis
43 Aaron Hall
58 Brodie Clark
60 Julian Direen
66 Matt Leary
67 Mitch McPherson
Last Modified on 17/04/2009 14:35