FNQ HEAT SHAPES TIGERS
RICHMOND’S premiership victory gave Cairns-based elite sports trainer David Arnfield more pleasure than most on Saturday afternoon.
Arnfield, who manages Queensland Elite Sports Training based in the Far North, ran two gruelling training camps for the Tigers in 2012 and 2014.
The passionate former Port Adelaide runner watched the match at a Cairns bar for fear of becoming too emotional during the game.
“I was going to watch it at home but I thought going into a more controlled atmosphere with a few people around was a good idea,” Arnfield said.
“I was so pleased for them because it was exactly how they wanted to play. They wanted to put that pressure on in their forward half and shut them down and it’s just what they did.”
Arnfield said he had fond memories of Richmond’s star trio of Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin emerging as leaders at their 2012 camp.
“They were all great guys,” he said. “You could see the leadership potential in them.
“We tried to simulate situations where those guys had to take control without their coach by their side.
“We did an amazing race from Gordonvale to Cape Tribulation where they had to find their way up there and complete all these tasks to win.
“(Coach Damien) Hardwick said he was a little too controlling when he started but this put them in a situation where they had to figure it out on their own, just like on the footy field.
“It was a small stepping stone but I definitely think it aided their development.”
While the debate around the best training methods for AFL footballers continues, Arnfield is resolute in his belief that a solid camp during Far North Queensland’s wet season can work wonders.
“It’s not so much about acclimatisation, it’s about being in an environment that puts a load on your system,” he said.
“It’s just harder. You do more and your cardiorespiratory system improves because you’re under stress.
“We know that it works because that’s what sport science experts are telling us.
“I spoke to their fitness coach ... and they’re rapt with what they achieved.”
The continued development of Cairns infrastructure would only help to bring elite athletes to the region, he said.
“The upgrades to the football fields at North Cairns is a massive win,” Arnfield said.
“Tobruk Pool is excellent and we have great hotels. We’re still banging on doors but there’s lots of interest.”