Seamless. Methodical. Business-like.
They’re all words commonly associated with a team or organisation operating at its optimum.
And they’re words used by High Performance Manager Bill Davoren to illustrate the flow of Collingwood’s pre-season so far.
It’s been seamless, to be honest,” Davoren told Collingwood Media.
“It’s been methodical, business-like. We’ve hit all the pre-planned targets that we set; we’re on track with those.
“I think the boys would say it has been solid. Everyone would say it, but we’re happy. We have achieved what we set out to achieve.
“A number of those in rehab have progressed well. We’re hoping that we should have close to 95 per cent of the group in full training in the first week or two post-Christmas.”
STORY: Magpies head to Maroochydore.
Track watchers assiduously note the presence and absence of key personnel, but any anomalies can be attributed to a strict individualised program each player is to adhere to.
Davoren explains.
“It’s very, very individualised. That’s been a theme I’ve spoken about publically as well. We’ve really pursued this pathway.
“I guess it’s why people someone’s ask ‘why isn’t player X out on the track today’, ‘this one’s doing that and this one’s doing more of that’. It’s all under that pathway of individualisation. For them, it’s about addressing their needs, when is it appropriate to put them in and take them out, but both are going well.”
Time has made a difference, too. The 2015/2016 pre-season marks Davoren’s third at the helm, and with it comes shared experience and continuity.
“It takes time to get to know the idiosyncrasies of your staff and your playing group, and your coaching group, and it takes them time to get an understanding of my methodologies and philosophies,” Davoren said.
“We sort of felt the first year was a really significant change; there was a lot of change that took place. The second year was really bedding those changes down and we feel like this year is a consolidation. I think everyone is really singing from the same hymnbook, so to speak.
“Everyone understands the pathway and the journey and the process and the routine, and the expectations around that routine. It’s predictable, and that brings that methodical, business-like, seamless approach.
“It’s been a no fuss six weeks, just get on with the job, do the job, don’t talk about it, just do it, ask questions that need to be asked.
“Around that our staff have been outstanding. They’ve made really good decisions about player management and I think we’ve put in a good six weeks.
Magpies in Maroochydore
All Queensland based Collingwood supporters are invited to attend the team's special pre-season open training session in Maroochydore.
Be there to watch the team go through its paces, enjoy free face painting and grab an autograph! There will also be food and beverages available for purchase, and car parking is available onsite.
Date: Wednesday 6 January 2016
Time: 9.30-11.30am*
Venue: Maroochydore Multi Sports Complex - 108 Fisherman's Road, Maroochydore
*Please note: Training times are subject to change without notice. Players will be available to sign around the boundary at the conclusion of their training session. Signing times will be dependent on individual training schedules and not all players may be available.
