Tough preseason training for the Ghosts

Athletics coach Terry West has introduced Grafton Ghost players to the infamous “spew” shirt.

Josh Donohue is one Grafton Ghost hoping a gruelling preseason pays off in 2014.

IF YOU thought fitness training with Level 5 accredited running coach Terry West was a walk in the park, just ask the Grafton Ghosts.

West has taken the Ghosts for preseason fitness training over the summer and his regime included a recent excursion to the Minnie Water sand dunes.

The end result is there for all to see, signed and dated, on the "spew shirt".

"Every time you spew you have to sign and date the shirt," West explained.

"Last week five of them spewed.

"Running up the hill afterwards, one of the guys asked me if c*** was my middle name.

"So that'll be a very prized shirt."

At the end of the year everyone whose name appears on the shirt goes into the draw to keep it as a prized possession.

Generally speaking, the protestations of the players in the shadows of the 80 metre sand hills is in jest. Come crunch time in Group Two Rugby League this season they'll be thankful of the pain barriers they broke under West's watchful eye.

West himself is confident he has the side, who take on Sawtell Panthers in a full trial at McGurren Park today, in shape.

"I think this is the best they've looked in five years," West said.

"Judging by what I could do with them three or four years ago, they're much better.

"I've been upping the ante each time. They've been going really well."

Originally published as Tough preseason training for the Ghosts