While their more senior teammates were training at high altitude in Arizona, the less experienced Brisbane Lions players faced a unique challenge of their own.

All players with 1-4 years of AFL experience were taken to the Enoggera Army Barracks where they performed a tough three-day program.

The training camp was designed to test the players both physically and mentally, and help strengthen the bond within the team.

Rehabilitation & Strength Coach Alex Clarke said it was also an important exercise in providing the players with a change-up to their normal pre-season routine.

“We established a program that we thought would be quite challenging for the boys, but at the same time a bit of fun,” Clarke said.

“It was a good opportunity for those guys to get together as a group while the other guys were in Arizona, and undertake some physical and mental challenges.”

“Physically they did some obstacle courses - including one that was suspended three metres above the pool, which was quite challenging for the guys.”

“They also did a simulated weapons training indoors against the big screen - which was a bit of fun for the guys.”

“The primary aim was to bring the younger guys together and be able to bond.

“It was quite taxing towards the end of the three days, the guys were fairly fatigued. It was a good couple of sessions heading into the de-load week.”

“It was definitely interesting to see who stepped up and who some of our future leaders might be.”