SHARKS NEVER TYRE OF HARD WORK
AT 2am on Sunday the Southport Sharks playing group were woken abruptly at their pre-season camp in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
They had barely been asleep for three hours but fatigued minds and bodies was exactly what coach Stephen Daniel wanted as he and some officers from the army began testing the players’ mental fortitude in the dark. What followed were physical tests that extended throughout the entire day and galvanised a group that has welcomed more than 15 new faces to the side that won last year’s NEAFL premiership.
“It was a really tough camp both physically and mentally,” recruit Jamison Shea said.
“It was a great way to come together and bond. We are only at the footy club a few hours each week so to spend that time together and learn about our teammates was great. “You learn about their life experiences and what they are going. That was the highlight for me.”
Southport spent two days in Canungra as part of their pre-season training, doing various drills including a 2km hike while carrying large truck tyres and other equipment in the heat of the day.
Shea, 20, has only been at the club a short time after making the shift from VFL club Footscray Bulldogs and he hopes to get the consistency of game time to show AFL recruiters he is worth taking a punt on.
“It’s been such a welcoming environment and it’s about getting the Sharks in a position where they can go back-to-back in the NEAFL,” Shea said. “The importance of family and culture get spoken about at the majority of clubs but it’s really evident the way Southport go about it.
“Everyone has bought in to it. People come and go but it’s a really strong group.”
IT WAS A GREAT WAY TO COME TOGETHER AND BOND SHARKS RECRUIT JAMISON SHEA