Three days in to his third 2XU High Performance Camp, and 2km time trial winner Jeremy Taylor is already showing promising signs of improvement ahead of the 2014 season, says conditioning coach Max Kennedy.

“Overall they all seem to be going really well, but stand-outs for me is Jeremy Taylor."

“He’s just a freakish athlete and looks terrific,” Kennedy said.

Unable to add to his career tally in 2013, after multiple concussions and a serious finger injury, the 21-year-old returned on the opening day of the pre-season in great condition.

Confident the worst of his injury woes are behind him, Taylor is on course for a strong summer of training.

Housemate Dion Prestia, and key forward Tom Lynch, have also impressed with their physical performances, while 19-year-old Timmy Sumner hasn’t put a foot out of place since arriving for his first tour of Flagstaff, Arizona.

“Big Tommy Lynch looks fantastic and has come back in really good order, while Prestia and O’Meara have also come back in great knick,” he said.

“Timmy Sumner is a player for mine who has taken a few steps forward and is training really well, but overall, the whole group is going really well.”

Given the heavy workload and intense training program, a weighted emphasis has been placed upon the player’s rest and recovery.

Because of this, Kennedy says the 2XU High Performance Camp is as mentally challenging as it is physical.

“The camp is very physical, but it is also an emotional stress being away from home in a different training environment,” Kennedy said.

“But it is very much a conditioning-focused camp rather than a football camp.

“We need to build a foundation of fitness into this guys, then we can improve their skills work when we get back to the Gold Coast.”

“But the trip to Arizona certainly helps fast-track the boy’s pre-season, and is a fantastic way to kick off their campaign.”