Central District increases training intensity as finals bid ramps up

CENTRAL District will not shy away from its formula of putting serious work into its players in August despite still not being assured a finals spot.

CENTRAL District will not shy away from its tried-and-tested formula of putting serious work into its players in August despite still not being a certainty to play finals.

The Bulldogs last week started their traditional approach of upping the ante at training with extra running and competitive work, and it had immediate impact with a gut-busting 50-point win over North Adelaide on Saturday.

The real benefit of the hard work now is so that it pays off in September, but unlike previous years, the Bulldogs are not yet guaranteed a finals spot.

Coach Roy Laird said he was not concerned that fatigue may hijack his team's finals chances.

"Unfortunately we might lose someone to an injury, but for the overall benefit of the group I think it prepares you well for hopefully some games later on," Laird said.

"We had a solid week and we'll probably look at having much the same again.

"Today (Saturday) was an example of them (players) responding well to it.

"Hopefully now they believe in that type of physical work that brings out a competitive performance like that."

While Saturday's result looked easy for Central, they had to overcome a nervous start in which North Adelaide was all over them and booted the first two goals.

Laird admitted he was concerned in the coach's box but was pleased with his team's response.

Ian Callinan kicked four goals, Paul Thomas led from the front, Josh Glenn continued his outstanding debut season, Josh Waldhuter caught the eye as a running defender and Jackson Potter continued his steady improvement.

Having now beaten North twice this season, the Bulldogs face Port Adelaide at Alberton with the Magpies desperate to close the gap on fifth spot.

The Dogs will have a score to settle after Port's last-gasp two-point win in Round 12.

"It's another step in our learning curve," Laird said.

"We've had that two steps forward, one step back all year and if we want to be a good side we've got to step up next week."