FOOTBALLERS are being pushed to their mental and physical limits during Gippsland Power’s pre-season high altitude camp at Mount Hotham this week.
Power region manager Peter Francis said 26 of the 69 potential players joined himself and coach Leigh Brown on a camp designed to test the boys’ endurance in preparation for the upcoming TAC Cup season.
Stopping at Omeo on the way to Hotham on Monday, Francis said the week would include three hikes lasting seven, eight and 12 hours each, plus boxing and football training in between.
“We want to see how they perform on the camp under that sort of duress,” Francis said.
“I think it’s more (testing) mental tolerance and physical tolerance. It’s obviously difficult up in the hills.
“We’re hoping fitness will pick up.”
Francis said another aim was to promote team bonding.
“We have boys from all over Gippsland, some come from as far as Pakenham, Orbost and Phillip Island, so we’re looking for them to bond over the week.”
After the dramatic events at last year’s high altitude camp, where the group was evacuated mid-camp due to a nearby bushfire, Francis said he was hopeful for an incident-free week.
“We kept a close eye on the weather after a hot week, but saw temperatures were predicted for the low 20s, even high teens and going down to two or three degrees overnight… great for bushwalking,” Francis said.
“Obviously we’ll take all due care and have let the appropriate people know just in case of any incidents.”
After a rehabilitation session at a river in Bright the boys return home on Sunday, “hopefully” better prepared for the training sessions and practice matches leading up to the Power’s first match on 29 March against Dandenong Stingrays in Morwell.
