Peel Thunder Football Club

12 Nov, 2009 09:00 AM - Published by Karena Cox, Courtesey of the Mandurah Mail

From 72 invitations sent during the off season, 60 players attended Peel Thunder's first pre-season training session on Monday night.

New coach Trevor Williams received 10 apologies due to work and university commitments and injury reasons - leaving just two missing the opening session without reason - a figure the dual Peel colts premiership coach found encouraging.

All invited players from the Peel and South West football leagues attended and even those who had surgery over the off season participated in light drills.

Captain Daniel Haines, who had ankle surgery almost immediately after last season, was among those taking part in light work.

"For so many to attend is a positive and it indicates their intentions," Williams said.

Unlike previous years players were not put through their paces in the traditional gruelling shuttle run in the opening session.

Instead players did some ball work and weights, were measured and screened.

"The first night was essentially for introductions and to blow out the cobwebs so there were no real outstanding performers," Williams said.

"It's just about getting into the routine again."

Peel will train three times per week at Rushton Park under fitness and conditioning coaches Jason Gray and Justin Brown on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with an alternating Sunday beach session until December 20 when they will break for Christmas until January 4.