Ginbey backs West Coast Eagles' gruelling pre-season test
Reuben Ginbey defended the Eagles' harsh training after players collapsed mid-field following an 11-sprint time trial.
West Coast defender Reuben Ginbey backed the Eagles' harsh training after young players collapsed mid-field following an 11-sprint time trial Monday. Ginbey, who ended up on his hands and knees himself, said the aftermath proved they ran until they couldn't stand.
"Most people have never run until they can't stand or spew, but this is a time trial and you only do two a year," Ginbey told media. Ginbey praised the young squad's fitness and commitment.
The group had trained together through October at Kings Park and spent a week at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas. The leadership group sees the test as proof of elite standards.
- 11 sprints over 200 metres
- Test format
- Monday pre-season
- Test day
- UFC Performance Institute
- Las Vegas training location
Why it mattersThe debate reveals how modern AFL teams view toughness and performance, with young players becoming central to West Coast's recovery from their worst season in decades.
AustraliaWest Coast's pre-season approach will set the tone for their push to climb out of the bottom four and compete in an increasingly tight AFL competition.
