By JOLENE OGLE
THE Noosa Tigers AFL grounds were abuzz on Monday morning as the Greater Western Sydney Giants took to the turf for pre-season training.
More than 45 players sweated it out in 29 degree heat and the humidity to prepare for the coming 2015 season.
AFLQ Sunshine Coast development co-ordinator Steve Wildschut said humidity training was the latest trend throughout the AFL.
“People are starting to see the benefits of training in the humidity,” he said.
Mr Wildschut said pre-season training could be technical, with players wearing GPS trackers to calculate how far and fast they run, the data is collected and analysed. Training sessions are adjusted to best benefit the players.
Noosa Tigers club president Scott McKenzie said the Giants visit was a great opportunity for the junior players to meet the team as well as experience pre-season training.
“It’s good for our Juniors, they don’t get the chance to see AFL players. If they want to see them, they have to go to Brisbane,” he said.
“It’s good for them to know what it’s all about. They get to see what (the Giants) do for pre-season.”
The Noosa Tigers AFL club is also set to undergo a revamp with AFL standard goal posts to be erected during the off-season, thanks to Noosa Council and AFL Queensland.
AFL Queensland regional manager Paul Tresise said facility development of club grounds had the dual benefit of giving local players better facilities as well as going a long way in attracting clubs from throughout Australia.
“This shows how partnerships between clubs and council can get outstanding results on the ground for community footy,” he said.
Noosa Council helped Noosa Tigers with the remediation of the Weyba Road oval and will now install the donated goal posts.
Cr Joe Jurisevic said council was thrilled to welcome the Giants to Noosa for their pre-season training camp.
“In order to help the team achieve peak performance as they head into the new season, we’re pleased to offer them a top quality oval,” he said.
The Giants players trained in Noosa on Monday and Friday with a community training session held on Wednesday.
