THE Tamworth Swans have flocked back to pre-season training in recent weeks, riding the momentum of a successful 2019 campaign.
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Playing finals in 2019 for the first time since 2010, the Swans have taken advantage of the positive feeling around the group by returning to pre-season training four weeks ago.
Swans coach Paul Kelly said the numbers at training so far had been promising.
"We've had pretty good numbers and averaged about 15 or 20 guys per session, which has been good," Kelly told the Leader.
"I think playing finals this year has really boosted the enthusiasm of our guys to return to pre-season training.
"We normally start training in early November and, in leaner years, we haven't quite had this kind of turnout, but I think playing finals this year has certainly motivated a few guys to get down and have a run."
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Kelly said a "good portion" of the side's younger players had been training regularly.
"Ideally, we have been trying to do a lot of fitness stuff, but the smoke and heat conditions haven't made that too easy," he said.
"Instead, we have been working a lot on basic marking, kicking and hand passing skills.
"We'll be looking to switch the ball a lot more in 2020, so if we can improve our skills during the pre-season, we should be able to do that pretty well."
The Swans may have to head into the 2020 season without one of their star players, as two-time reigning Gillies medallist Ed George looks set to move away for university.
"I'm not too sure what Ed will do next year," Kelly said.
"We're trying to convince him to take a year off university and stay here and play with us.
"However, his future is the most important thing and we will back him whatever he decides to do.
"If he does go, he will certainly be tough to replace, but we will do what we can to get some other guys to step up and fill that hole."
Kelly said the introduction on Tamworth's first-ever AFL nines competition had been "a great inclusion" to his club's pre-season preparations.
"It's a great competition because it allows people who might not be able to train with us a chance to still have a run," he said.
"I know most our Swans girls have been getting amongst it, which will be great for their development.
"A few of the girls have been training with us so far and we look forward to a few more coming down when we start up again next year."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
