Click here to view the image galleryThe Gold Coast SUNS first ever AFL pre-season training camp got underway in horribly wet conditions at Mooloolaba on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast today.

An unseasonal drenching greeted the club’s arrival and didn’t let up all afternoon as players threw themselves into an tough introductory taste of what promises to be a grueling few days.

Under the watchful eye of a SAS veteran, the entire GC SUNS squad were keen and willing all afternoon, their enthusiasm an exciting window into what the on–field future may hold.

A crisply paced four kilometre run between the Mantra Mooloolaba Beach and picturesque La Balsa Reserve kickstarted proceedings before the players split into four groups to take part in a series of beach-based competitive drills designed to test in equal measure their teamwork, agility, strength and stamina.

Marcus Ashcroft, GC SUNS GM – Football Operations, a 300-game plus ex-Lion and no stranger to training camps – said the physical side of focused preseason activities was only one part of a much bigger picture.

“That’s part of it, of course,” he said. “But there’s plenty of other things in play here. One of the keys is the chance it gives all the players to get together and bond as a complete group in some instances for the first time. But importantly it also highlights the players’ leadership abilities.”

Today’s physical work will be followed by presentations and problem solving activities tonight.

The camp continues tomorrow.