Royals rising to the challenge

East Perth Strength and Conditioning Coach Wes Salisbury is confident that his players can maintain the fitness base that was established during pre-season as they continue their training in isolation.

Players have been training away from the club since mid-March, with the season postponed until at least May 31 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The WAFC is part of a national working group that includes the AFL and other state football bodies, which is continuing to review the decision based on changing circumstances and advice from the AFL, government and relevant health authorities.   

“The players haven’t stopped. They’re still going, waiting for that green light,” Salisbury said.

“It’s an interesting holding pattern we’re in, but the players haven’t dropped their workload. 

“Footy hasn’t shut down for us, it’s just changed what it looks like a little bit.”

Players are training six days’ a week by incorporating three running and three strength sessions. Salisbury said the running sessions mirror a typical weekly training load, while strength sessions are tailored according to the players' access to gym equipment.

“It’s all blogged on an online app called Train Heroic - essentially it’s an honesty based system,” he said. 

“The players log a session themselves, I then review it and it’s up to the coaches to keep them accountable, because, as soon as we get the green light, we’re straight back into as much training as we can and getting ready to play.”

Salisbury, who has been at East Perth since 2015, said it was unlike any challenge he had encountered.

 “It’s probably the biggest challenge I’ve faced,” he said. 

“The two biggest challenges have been the last two years at East Perth.

“Firstly, inheriting a really young list after the split from the alignment and having to develop a lot of those young and country players.  

“But then, to have an unprecedented second pre-season without playing a game is challenging. 

“I’m embracing it though and hopefully the players will benefit from what I’m putting forward.” 

Salisbury is working alongside Football Operations Manager Warren Parker on the ‘Train like a Royal’ initiative, encouraging East Perth members and supporters to stay active.

“The boys at the moment are using the hashtag #RoyalsNeverRest,” Salisbury said.

 “Just because we’re off the track doesn’t mean we’re resting, we’re still working. 

“I’ve been writing body weight programs based off what the players are doing to be able to give to our members.  

“They’ll be able to train like the players - knowing what the boys are doing and just how hard they’re working.”

Salisbury said if clubs get the green-light from the WAFC to resume this year, they would be pushing for a six-week preparation period before games recommence. 

“We would like six weeks, including practice games to get ready for round one.

“Four weeks to get a touch on the footy and get back into some game play and then resume full training.”