World Footy News

AFL club Hawthorn will be conducting a training camp in New Zealand for their players in December, following on from a similar program by Port Adelaide in 2004. The NZAFL have issued a Press Release saying that the Hawks will also be taking time out to conduct clinics for the South Island's Aussie Rules league, the Canterbury AFL, based around Christchurch.

Press Release

The AFL Hawthorn Football Club will visit Christchurch from December 6th - 10th to undergo a demanding survival camp. Whilst in the South Island, the Hawks full playing list and coaching staff will conduct clinics and training sessions for the Canterbury AFL at QE 11 Park. By Michael Gleeson and David Reed (Source: The Age Melbourne) November 4, 2005

Hawks hit the rapids for bonding and discipline

AFTER walking the Kokoda Trail this year, Hawthorn is moving to embrace another side of the Anzac legend with a five-day training camp in New Zealand.

The Hawks will go to Rangitata on the NZ South Island next month on an adventure-holiday training camp that is a mix of training and bonding.

Port Adelaide players went to Rangitata for a similar camp in the pre-season of their premiership year in 2004 when Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was working as an assistant.

The camp will include whitewater rafting on difficult grade-five rapids, mountain-bike riding, orienteering and hiking among the outdoor activities.

"We went there when I was at Port Adelaide and it was really, really successful. And we are of the view that it is a real benefit to the players," Clarkson said.

"While training camps have been flogged to death a bit, we are of the view it can serve two purposes. It will be a blend of training and bonding and we expect we will build on the camaraderie that was established in New Guinea. "Some parts of the New Zealand trip will be just as challenging as New Guinea, but the difference is this camp is three days of doing it pretty hard but it is not as unrelenting as Kokoda as there are a range of activities."