Well after the pleasure of spending a week with the Sydney Swans, it has really opened my eyes to the life of a full time football player.

I was amazed at how much of a finely tuned machine both player and organisation were at the Sydney Swans.

A big thank you to the club, coaches and players for making me feel at home and allowing me in to their lives for a few days.

I have to say I am amazed at the fitness levels of these guys.

Depending on the day it starts around 8am as the players start rolling into Swans HQ. Those that need, head down to get rubs and strapped up for the session ahead.

They hit the track at about 8.30am where it is a solid 30 - 45 minute series of stretching and light warm up drills.

From there it was amazing to see the structure of the players and coaching staff as they are having to deal with players that have done the full pre season, to players coming back from injury and of course the new draftees that have only been at the club for a week.

How they have it all set up for each player at various levels so as to avoid the possibility of injury was amazing and my hat goes off to the Strength & Conditioning Coaches for such a professional structure.

The session goes on average for about four hours with a fantastic mix of conditioning and skills combined for the players. By the end of the session they average around 10km (take me a week to run that far).

They then head off for massage, lunch etc before being required back for the second session of the day about two hours later. It is mix of things for recovery from a tough morning session.

As it was pre season and players at different levels I was very fortunate to get a look at the different styles of fitness sessions that were conducted based on how long they had been in the pre season program for.

Each day was very different and to much to mention here, but the Sydney Swans have an awesome strength and conditioning program for players.

I now have a better understanding why football is a full time sport. With training up to two sessions a day six days week, I get tired thinking about how much they do in a week (take me a month).

The environment and culture of the club is also something that really stood out for me. It feels like a real family when you have been with them for a few days. The players seem to have a knack to really switch on to training together and lift each other. They all get along really well and it was evident, when going to lunch etc when they all just hang out together.

As most of you know I am into giving to charity where possible and doing my bit for the community, and the Sydney Swans are no exception, with players going either going to hospitals or schools on a weekly basis to either help out with their AFL skills or to just cheer them up a bit.

Some of the senior players like Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Nick Malceski etc create an environment around the club that is fun and relaxing for all the players.

some of the boys in training

I wish the Sydney Swans all the best for the 2009/10 season even though we will be trying to knock their reserve grade side off in the ACTAFL.

Scott Williams

Australian Fitness Expert