OK, so once all the players were finally cleared to play, we got them out onto the pitch.

The day started at 6.30am with a disciplinary measure since one of our players showed up 2 minutes late to a team meeting. As a result all of the players had to meet me at the track at 6.30am for a “team building” exercise. They decided to come up with a buddy system to make sure that everyone was on time. Fifteen minutes before any event, the buddies need to check in with each other.

After breakfast, they all assembled for yoga…yes yoga. They wanted to add yoga to pre season and they thoroughly enjoyed it. It was worth it for me to see them all quiet and relaxing and focusing in the gym with no distractions.

Next we had a team meeting and run through the principles of defending as a team.

Lunch followed.

Then, in the afternoon we finally got them on the grass. They started off with their warm up and stretch and then went into their conditioning. Good workout for them. We then split them up into 4on4 scrimmages, then an 8on8 scrimmage from penalty box to penalty box. We finished off with an 11on11 scrimmage.

We got a good look at them all. The returners looked good. The new recruits all looked good, with a few really making an immediate impact.

After dinner we had them back out on the field for their second practice of the day. This was made up of ball work and a finishing drill, followed by a good 45 minute 11on11 scrimmage.

We are very pleased to have strength and depth throughout the roster and we have so many options this season.

So, a very good day. Feeling excited and also a little overawed with all the work we need to do, especially since we play our first game next Wednesday!