The AFL players returned for the second block of pre-season training this week as preparations ramp up for the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership season.

Here’s what we’ve learnt so far from the first week back.

Running hot:

Monday morning saw the majority of the group return to training with the traditional two-kilometre time trial at Somerset College. In promising signs for the group, over 75% of the players who participated recorded personal best times in the run. Brandon Ellis took the crown as time trial winner, with impressive performances from Noah Anderson, Touk Miller, Jeremy Sharp and Izak Rankine to round out the top five.

Jack Lukosius, Sam Flanders, Brayden Fiorini and Will Brodie highlighted the work they’d put in during the off-season with strong personal best performances.

Josh Corbett didn’t participate in the time trial on Monday but deserves a special mention after breaking the Club record when the 1-4 year players returned to training in December.

Adding bulk:

Some key young talent have definitely hit the weights in the off-season, looking markedly bigger in the gym. Strength testing has been a big focus for the group over the off-season and players like Caleb Graham, Ben King, Wil Powell and Charlie Ballard look in great condition.

Recruits in red:

Recruits Rory Atkins, Oleg Markov and Jacob Townsend officially joined the group after coming back early with the 1st – 4th year players in December and looked happy to be in the red and gold.

SUNS Fans check out your newest draftees

We’re excited with how at home our latest draftees have settled in to their new colours.

Alex Davies, Joel Jeffrey, Aiden Fyfe and Rhys Nicholls have all joined in with the full squad this week, whilst number seven pick, Elijah Hollands looks to continue his rehabilitation from an ACL injury suffered last year.