Swans taking care of business at Coffs pre-season camp
IT WAS straight down to business for the Sydney Swans this morning at BCU International Stadium.
The reigning AFL premier was put through its paces during an intense two and a half hour training session with coach John Longmire making it clear to his players the trip to Coffs Harbour would not be a holiday.
Incredibly BCU International Stadium showed no signs of the torrential rain which has lashed the Coffs Coast in recent days with Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh praising the venue.
"It has been absolutely perfect conditions to train here today and it's good to train on a quality deck," McVeigh said.
"The ground staff must have put in plenty of hard yards to get the field this good after all the rain.
"A few days ago we weren't sure we would be able to make the trip so thankfully the weather has turned for the better and we get a chance to get out into the Coffs community."
The 10-year veteran of the club wasn't surprised by this morning's long session.
"It is the same pre-season field session we would have on a Wednesday if we were in Sydney," he said.
"Leading into the NAB Cup we are just focusing on our ball work and making sure we are right on top of it."
With two months until the opening round of the home and away season, McVeigh admitted there is still a long way to go in his side's preparation.
"It's only early days but we are really happy with the way the boys have come along over the past few weeks," he said.
"We are fit and it's just a case of concentrating on ball work and waiting for some of the rehab guys to come back."
The Moore Park based side is set to take part in a number of community involvement activities during itsr time in Coffs Harbour starting with Thursday's Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce breakfast followed by school visits later in the day.
"We want to spread our brand and get involved with our existing fans in the region so the boys are always happy to get out into the community," the 27 year-old said.
"If we can get kids playing AFL by coming up here then it has been a worthwhile trip."
