Hundreds of Richmond fans brought Tigerland to the Gold Coast on Monday morning at an open training session at Bond University.
The Tigers kicked off pre-season camp with a solid session in the Queensland heat, complete with an autograph signing session for the Tiger Army that flocked to see the boys in action.
This year's Gold Coast camp marks a change in location, with Richmond's previous two pre-season camps held on the Sunshine Coast.
Richmond’s Physical Performance Manager Peter Burge said the Club felt it was time to change things up.
While options both within Australia and internationally were explored, a trip north to the Gold Coast proved ideal.
“The weather is good, the facilities are outstanding… it’s an AFL environment, everything is here that we need to run a normal football program in January,” Burge said.
From a performance perspective, Burge said the camp, which runs until Friday, allows the Club to polish its football program as well as integrate the younger players into newer drills and the way Richmond play.
“We’re second week back now from a three-week Christmas break and we did a really solid block pre-Christmas, where we did a mix of conditioning and football. Now, it’s becoming more football specific, game plan, so we’re really just honing in on that,” he said.
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In addition to the training sessions, strength sessions and recovery sessions that make up the camp, a number of highly-anticipated activities are on the agenda which will be revealed to the boys in the days to come.
These bonding activities not only create a bit of fun, but also build on Richmond’s ever-important team connection.
“When you go to the footy club each day, it’s similar things every day. Then when you come to a different environment eating together…doing activities…you see different sides of people and learn more about them,” Burge said.
“Our players and staff love getting away and spending that time together…there’s a bit of banter that goes with that as well as the serious side of training…we’ve got a really good balance here at Richmond.”
Burge provided an update on recruit Tom Lynch’s return from knee surgery, remarking that the star forward has “progressed really well in the last two weeks”.
“He did some high speed running today and he’s been doing that now for nearly two weeks,” Burge said.
“Some days we’re working on speed, other days we’re working on his agility… and still working on his strength with his leg that he’s had operated on.
“We’re getting closer to some footy stuff…we’re really pleased with how he’s going.”
Burge also delivered positives updates on Jacob Townsend (femur), Jason Castagna (ankle) and Ryan Garthwaite (achilles), who are all tracking well in their recovery from minor injuries.
Burge forecasted a big year ahead for Richmond’s draftees, who he said have done a stellar job embodying the Richmond brand during their first time travelling with the side.
“They’re all showing something and they’re all very serious about their preparation. They go hard…they’re a really good group of young guys… and that’s on top of the great group we got last year as well,” he said.
