The Bendigo Bombers are trying to emulate the training regime of the Essendon players by lifting the standard of their fitness level.
Fitness coach Paul Seery is in charge of ensuring the Bendigo listed players are in great shape throughout the 2007 VFL season.
This has been demonstrated by the rapid improvement of their three kilometre time trials.
“I am very happy with the manner in which the players have responded to the football program,” he said.
“It is really an education program which requires sound player management during the week and also encompassing diet and game recovery.
“Our training focus has always concentrated on repeat efforts and the player being able to get to a number of contests and thus requiring a high anaerobic component.”
The Bombers fitness mentor said among the players to show significant improvement in the early part of the season have been Stewart Crameri and Blair Holmes.
For Seery the challenge is to have the local players ready to step up to VFL senior games when required and to present them at the peak of fitness.
“The Essendon listed players are full time athletes who devote each and every day to their physical preparation,” he said.
“Compare this to our semi professional players who live in the country and have to balance their working regime with their physical training in order to play at the highest level.”
The Bendigo Bombers players go under the spotlight this Saturday night when they will need all of their pace and skills to overcome Frankston at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Game time is 7pm.