But as is the case with most first-year players, Wearden spent much of his debut season understanding the scientific process behind effective weight gain.
He now approaches his second full pre-season with not only valuable experience, but also an additional 8kg of muscle to show for his efforts.
“In your first year, it’s just trying to learn how to lift and how the gym works, and what sort of exercises you need to do,” Wearden told LIONS TV.
“Now we sort of understand that…and can put a bit more weight on and look for those improvements.”
“In your first year you get pushed around a bit easier by the older blokes, but now you can hold your own a little bit more.”
Wearden, who was part of the Lions Reserves’ 2012 NEAFL Premiership side, says he and his second-year teammates still need to spend plenty more hours in the gym before reaching their optimum size.
“I’ve still got a way to go,” he said.
“I obviously need to put on a bit more weight. I put on about 8kg last pre-season, and if I can do that again this year it would be really good. That will go a long way to hopefully getting some games next year.”
“Boys from my year – like Yeoy, Docherty and Crispy – are starting to get some good gains in the gym as well.”
