THE region's next generation of AFL stars have begun honing their skills as part of the Northern Heat representative program.
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Young guns from both AFL North West and AFL North Coast trained for the first time as a squad on Saturday.
The first session included video analysis of team movement, fitness testing, and ball movement exercise.
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The session concluded with a yoga and mindfulness exercise which is becoming increasingly prevalent amongst AFL footballers as they attempt to reduce soft tissue injuries.
Heat co-coach Matt Anderson said he was impressed with the commitment shown by the squad's members.
"The Northern Heat program runs across the off-season, so the boys are showing great commitment to improve as footballers, especially when the weather was as hot and humid as it was on Saturday," Anderson said.
"Some of the players did a round trip of over 800km from places like Moree and Brisbane to be at the session, so we know the training that we're offering is highly valued.
"We next come together in late November so the boys will be provided with a running program and it will be up to them to do the work at home to continue to reap the benefits of being part of this squad."
The group's next session, which will be hosted by a former Sydney Swans strength and conditioning coach will be in Armidale in November.
The program will continue early in the new year, before the side goes on to play a Gold Coast-based team.
Northern Heat squad:
Angus Anderson (Sawtell Toormina Saints)
Kade Bagnall (Grafton Tigers)
Hayden Baker (Gunnedah Bulldogs)
Tim Beattie (Inverell Saints)
Danny Brown (Moree Suns)
Tyler Donovan (Sawtell Toormina Saints)
Morgan Dunn (New England Nomads)
Nick Fisher (Moree Suns)
Lachie Martin (Inverell Saints)
Dylan Moore (New England Nomads)
Alex Pyke (Sawtell Toormina Saints)
Riley Sandral (Inverell Saints)
Ronan Singleton (Sawtell Toormina Saints)
Camden Sparke-Gaukroger (Inverell Saints)
Liam Spencer (Coffs Harbour Breakers)
Ryan Swann (New England Nomads)
Noah Swarski (Grafton Tigers)
Jasper Thomas (Gunnedah Bulldogs)
Malakai Troutman (Sawtell Toormina Saints)
Des Tuckerman (Gunnedah Bulldogs)
Evan Whitty (Grafton Tigers)
Kye Wilson (Port Macquarie Magpies)
