Squad
Gunny's Off-Season 8 is a small-group development squad for young footballers heading into the U13–U15 age groups who want to become stronger, more athletic, more confident and better prepared for footy. There's a strong Rugby League flavour, particularly around contact and the physical demands of the game, while the program is also suited to young Rugby Union and AFL players. This isn't about running through team structures and set plays. It's about developing the athlete underneath the footballer. Across eight weeks we'll work on movement, strength, contact, play and competition — using both the fully equipped 4017 Fitness gym and the field. Each athlete will also receive their own rebounder ball to keep, play with and use outside of the squad — because development shouldn't stop when the session finishes. Why only 8? Because I want to coach the young man, not just run the session. Eight athletes means plenty of involvement, individual feedback and opportunities to compete. It also gives me the chance to understand each athlete — where they're confident, where they need some help and when they're ready to be challenged. My approach is pretty simple and probably a little old school. Run. Jump. Wrestle. Throw. Catch. Compete. Make mistakes. Figure things out. And play. Young footballers don't need every minute of their off-season structured for them. They need good coaching, good challenges and an environment where they can have a crack. We're not trying to create professional footballers at 13. We're developing strong, capable and confident young men who enjoy their footy and are ready for what's next.
