At the start of the year there is no doubt that every team will tell you they are bigger, fitter and stronger than the year before. But for John Quinn, he believes the results at Essendon will speak for themselves, confident with the way the team has committed themselves to its pre-season training.
""I am always impressed by the players and their commitment, but this year the bar has been lifted higher,"" Quinn said.
""We have worked hard on running fitness and body development. We have a new physical conditioning coach, Valeri Stominov, and he has been exceptional. The players have responded well to his program and I am looking forward to how this impacts on our games.""
Over the summer, the fitness team has been busily looking at ways of giving the players an edge against their opposition, but Quinn is still keeping his cards close to his chest.
"" We have looked at a few different things this year, but one is classified top secret – so I can’t give away too much,"" Quinn said.
""Probably the most interesting though has been the tracking of players in games using the satellite positional data. This data will revolutionise football if the AFL allow its use in games.
A particular area of focus for the fitness team at the end of last year, was to address the soft-tissue problems the club experienced during 2004 and Quinn is confident that this has now be resolved.
""We haven’t had any soft tissue injuries this year other than David Hille’s calf injury, which was linked to an ankle operation he had in December, so I think that any soft-tissue problems from last year have been addressed. ""
Hopefully, this remains the case throughout the season and the hard work and commitment of a long pre-season pays off. And while they have all worked hard, there are a few stand outs in the eyes of the fitness coach.
""Hird continues to impress, if people think he is going to drift into retirement they are in for a surprise. Prior to his back injury, Rioli has been also exceptional and he will do well this season.""
""But I am probably most impressed with Scotty Lucas – he is destined for this best season to date – which is a big call seeing as he has previously won a Best and Fairest – but I will stand by that.""
""I have also really liked the lift in Laycock and Cartledge and I absolutely love the heart shown by Monfries, he could be special.""
In his position, John Quinn is closer than anyone to the playing group, and probably the best judge of the group’s attitude to the pre-season training. Always the philosopher, John Quinn has this simple message for Bomber fans.
""A change in trajectory by just one degree has us hitting the stars instead of the clouds. We know that we are not that far away. This season we are going for a top four spot.""
