Redlegs running harder for longer in 2020

By ZAC MILBANK

Norwood coach Jarrod Cotton has revealed this year’s training regime has been modelled specifically to address the Redlegs’ trend of fading out of contests last year.

Undertaking a running program designed by former Crows physical performance manager Stephen Schwerdt, Cotton’s charges are in good shape with plenty of experienced players recording personal bests this summer.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Cotton was also pleased with overall health of his list with only bigmen Luke Surman (back) and Henry Crauford (wrist) currently sidelined from the main training group.

Premiership ruckman Sam Baulderstone, recently announced as a leadership group member with star recruit Richard Douglas and new captain Matt Panos, has shed 12kg since the end of last season.

Cotton took plenty of positives from the Redlegs’ trial match against Payneham last Friday night, with Geelong VFL recruit Nik Rokahr impressing, along with Nick Pedro, Jack Heard and promising defender Tyler Martin.

With Martin and Cam Ball frontrunners to take the place of retired captain Alex Georgiou in defence, Mount Compass premiership spearhead Tom Pinyon is leading the race to be selected in place of triple premiership bigman Brady Dawe.