To break up the day-to-day training, development manager Luke Beveridge created a "cryptic run" for the players to complete on Tuesday 1 December. The run allows the coaching staff to analyse key attributes which are important in the makeup of an AFL footballer.
The cryptic run sent three groups of players on a timed scavenger hunt run through the surrounding area of the Lexus Centre with the players assessed on their contribution, assertiveness, planning, duress and enjoyment.
Development manager Luke Beveridge, who created the hunt, believes the activity helps freshen up the players while testing non-football attributes.
“The idea behind sending the boys through a cryptic run is to put them under some peer duress, test their levels of assertiveness, witness their planning versus spontaneity tendencies and most of all to combine hard work while having fun,” Beveridge told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“It’s also important for the new guys like Shae McNamara, Josh Thomas, Tom Young and Ben Sinclair to see some of Melbourne’s culture albeit in a blur, while journey through various landmarks in the neighboring areas.”
With three teams heading off at 10 minute intervals, captains John Anthony, Simon Prestigiacomo and Harry O’Brien led their groups through a cryptic puzzle which saw them visit landmarks including Captain Cook’s Cottage, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Shrine and Federation Square.
Team Presti, including Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Shae McNamara and Daniel Frost, posted the fastest time with the winners receiving handpicked t-shirts from the fashion areas they visited during the run.
New recruit Ben Sinclair, Mick Dugina (strength and conditioning coach), Jarryd Blair, Kris Pendlebury (VFL) and Harry O'Brien study the clues outside Captain Cook's Cottage.
