It’s been a tough pre-season for second-year forward Brayden Crossley, but the hard work is starting to pay dividends.

Crossley lined up for the red team in the SUNS’ intra-club match on Thursday and says he feels fitter and stronger than ever.

“Yeah obviously you always feel really fit but then as soon as games come around there’s a different level, it goes up again,” Crossley told SUNS Media.

“So I felt really good and then all the boys were looking really good as well so going out there and actually getting a game under the belt before we start all the JLT and round one and stuff like that was really good.”

Crossley has been particularly focussed on a few facets of his game throughout pre-season. 

He has sought the advice of new development coach Tim Clarke and worked extensively with high performance manager Alex Rigby on his fitness base ahead of his second season at the SUNS.

“My fitness and forward craft have been the two main things that I’ve been working at,” Crossley said. 

“I’ve had a plan with obviously Alex and my line coaches so Tim Clarke and the likes of that and just working hard with them on my forward craft and my fitness so feeling really good in both those areas.”

The powerful 19-year-old says while the match simulations sessions have been beneficial, what he’s really looking forward to is taking on some genuine opposition.

He’ll have the opportunity to do exactly that if he’s selected to play in the practice match against the Brisbane Lions next weekend on the Family Night Out.

“Really excited for the game next week, obviously you’re crashing into each other a fair bit so it will be nice to actually start smashing some other bodies rather than your own teammates for once,” Crossley joked. 

“It will be good to get a nice hit-out against them and hopefully over the next couple of weeks get a solid block in and then hopefully be in the squad for JLT 1 and then go from there. 

“That’s my goals for the next couple of weeks to set me up for hopefully round one or NEAFL footy.”