Building Resilience, Enjoyment and Pursuing Excellence 

The offseason has involved approximately 150 players across our three programs. It has been a period of intense preparation, camaraderie, and focused training, all designed to enhance the club’s performance and cohesion as we aim to win the 2025 Club Championship. This update highlights the key components of our offseason efforts regardless of the grade, experience or age – including cohesion exercises, on-field training sessions, and the festive conclusion marked by our Christmas Party and the presentation of six training awards. Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDDfwrbPpQ4

On-Field Training 

The on-field training sessions have been rigorous and strategically designed to improve our players’ physical conditioning, technical skills, tactical understanding and the 2025 Game Model. The primary focus areas included: 

  • Fitness and Conditioning: A staple of any offseason program – intensive fitness drills and programs tailored to enhance players’ endurance, strength, agility and specific positional play. 
  • Technical Skills: Essential skills and exercises to refine individual skills such as passing, tackling, and kicking. 
  • Tactical Training: Sessions dedicated to developing strategic play, game simulations, and understanding different game scenarios in attack and defence. 
  • Position-Specific Training: Specialized training for different positions, ensuring that each player understands their role and responsibilities on the field – positional craft. 

Cohesion Exercises 

During the off-season period, we implemented a strategic cohesion plan of challenges and experiences to bring increase club connection, recognising that a cohesive Club is essential for success on and off the field.  Activities that encouraged communication, trust, mutual support and resilience. These exercises included: 

  • Mixed Training: Players were mixed into training for 6 weeks to start the club cohesion process. 
  • Organised Cohesion Activities: The standout was Soul Drummer, with 65 players beating African Drums in unison, all smiling and the activity is something they won’t forget – if you haven’t seen the clip – click here 
  • Social Activities: That allowed players to bond outside of the training environment, strengthening personal connections and club spirit. Simple activities such as the club BBQ on a Thursday night for away grade games are back and add to the social fabric of the club – thank you to Jenny and Nic Mitchell for providing the food for the players 
  • Charity Challenge: The squad split into groups tasked with finding a charity to volunteer for during the year. Presentations of the player experiences will be in the New Year, and all reports of the groups that have volunteered say it was highly rewarding.  

Focus on the 2025 Club Championship 

The ultimate goal of our offseason program is to prepare all players for an assault on the 2025 Club Championship.  

This period of focused preparation sets the foundation for our success in the upcoming season. Our strategic focus areas include: 

  • Physical Preparation  
  • Performance Standards 
  • Performance Funnel 
  • Individual Development Plans 
  • Utilisation of Performance Resources
     

Christmas Party and Awards 

We celebrated our progress and achievements with a festive Christmas Party to cap off an intensive off-season. This event allowed players, coaches, and staff to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on the hard work accomplished. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of six awards, recognising the dedication and excellence of our players: 

  • Strength & Honour – Forward Application: Soakimi Tuitavuki 
  • Strength & Honour – Back Application: Tinirau Tofaefono 
  • Tiro – Most Improved Forward: Hugo Ohlsson 
  • Tiro – Most Improved Back: Cooper Edwards 
  • Gladiator – Best Forward: Dane Tekeria 
  • Gladiator – Best Back: Andrew Guest 

Looking Ahead 

We are filled with confidence and determination as we look ahead to the 2025 Club Championship. The foundation of hard work, unity, and strategic focus laid during this period will propel the Club towards our goals. We are excited to continue this journey together and pursue excellence in the upcoming season. 

Thank you to all our players, coaches, staff, and supporters for their unwavering dedication and support. 2025 is going to be a great Season.  

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