Wilkinson’s raising the Bar this summer

Aspiring tagger Joel Wilkinson has been crowned the Gold Coast SUNS strongman, after smashing former bench-press champion Karmichael Hunt’s record last week.

The freakishly athletic specimen has been on fire this summer, having already blitzed the GC SUNS 2km time trials in Arizona and on the Gold Coast; setting a new club record with his post-Christmas time trial.

The 21 year old former Broadbeach Cats star can now showing his prowess in the gymnasium after he bench-pressed a monstrous 160kgs three times to demolish fierce midfielder Karmichael Hunt’s previous record of 145kgs.

The constant progress in Wilkinson’s pre-season training camp has impressed GC SUNS strength coach Chris Gaviglio, who said the 186cm Nigerian-descent defender was stamping a new standard of physical excellence in the weights room.

Speaking exclusively with goldcoastfc.com.au, Gaviglio said it was Wilkinson’s attitude to training that separated him from most AFL players.

“He is just a freakishly talented athlete,” said Gaviglio.

“(But) he works incredibly hard in both the weight room and training track... these accolades are very much a testament to the attitude and work ethic he takes towards his training.”

However, the ever humble Wilkinson was quick to brush aside his personal accomplishments, opting instead to praise his hard-working teammates for the effort they have put in over the gruelling summer training program.

Wilkinson, who last year declared his ambition of striving to become the fittest player in the AFL competition, said his only objective heading into this season was not breaking records, but rather cementing a permanent spot in the club’s senior playing group.

“My goal coming into this pre-season was always to push myself to the limit every day,” said Wilkinson.

“But ultimately I would like hold a spot down in the seniors.”

“I’m hoping the efforts I have made in the weight room and on the training track will put me in a good position to add to my games tally.”

“We have been working really hard though this summer under Schwerdty (Stephen) and Chris (Gaviglio) and we’re really excited about our chances of climbing up the ladder this season.”