Richmond flies out today for its Far North Queensland pre-season camp in significantly better shape than this time last year. Coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers were far healthier than a year ago, when off-season surgeries delayed several players' programs.
Richmond will set up camp in Cairns this afternoon, having only recent hamstring victim Dylan Grimes and Nathan Foley (achilles) on rehabilitation programs. "We're a lot better than this time last year, which is really important," Hardwick said. "We certainly had a number of operations we brought forward towards the end of last season and a lot of those guys are up and going now. "We're pleased with where we're at thus far."
Grimes, who this year flew to Germany for treatment on his troublesome left hamstring, strained the muscle again at training on Friday. But Foley will travel with the squad after making good progress on the clubs AlterG anti-gravity treadmill. "Nathan can feel that he's progrssing a little bit quicker than where he was, because he can gradually increase his body weight, even at a walking pace on the AlterG," elite performance manager Peter Burge said earlier this month. Hardwick said the 10-day trip - the first duty for new captain Trent Cotchin - would be a blend of team bonding and intense training. "It will be a little of both, but there'll be a lot of hard work up there," he said. "Obviously the heat and humidity will be something that will certainly test the guys physically and mentally. We're looking forward to seeing how they react.
"Then there'' be a bit of fun at the end with regards to some adventure racing and that sort of thing, so it will be an exciting camp." The Tigers will take part in an Amazing Race style program when they touch down in Cairns today. A series of events from Gordonvale to Cape Tribulation will keep the Tigers on their toes, including a 7am outrigging session at Yorkeys Knob on Saturday. Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club coach Sue Lockwood promises the session will be anything but leisurley. "It's exciting to think that what we do could benefit a professional club like them, but I'm sure we will be able to test them out," she said. "It's about teamwork, too, because a canoe doesn't go unless you all work together."
The Tigers' pre-season slog is the first program overseen by former Port Adelaide runner Dave Arnfield's company, Queensland Elite Sports Training. "When I got moved here (three years ago) I thought 'bloody hell, this is perfect, why didn't we come here?," he said. He said local accommodation, catering, tourist attractions, sporting groups and gym facilities would all benefit from the Tigers' stay. "It's a time of year when tourism drops off, so it's a timely one. A lot of people in Melbourne, plus the NRL and other Olympic sports, are interested to see how this goes.
Last Modified on 15/01/2013 09:10