Heatwave can’t stop committed Brisbane Lions in intense training session

Lions coach Chris Fagan set the tone as his Brisbane team worked tirelessly in heatwave conditions.

Lions coach Chris Fagan chats with Brisbane star Lachie Neale at training. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Lions, including 60-year-old coach Chris Fagan, embraced Brisbane’s “oven”-like conditions on Wednesday, with midfielder Jarrod Berry saying the intense training session was a step “forward” in preparations for the new AFL season.

Brisbane’s current heatwave failed to deter the Lions in a session that lasted the best part of two hours at Yeronga.

Leading from the front was Fagan, who performed a host of drills with his players, including push-ups and crunches.

“He got a bit red in the face after those push-ups, but he’s a credit to himself,” Berry said of his coach.

“He goes hard … he’s a weapon.

“The message behind that is we’re going to face adversity on the field. We’ve got to expect the unexpected and be ready for anything.”

SOUND ON: Welcome to Fages' bootcamp 😂 #Uncagedpic.twitter.com/InMFKDgZ26

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) February 1, 2022

Berry said such sessions were crucial in preparing for the season.

“It was gruelling, but that’s what you get in Brisbane – it’s like an oven,” he said.

“We love it. We find we get a lot out of those sessions because you look your mates in the eye and it’s pretty tough.

“The language we want to use is positive. We want to not complain about things, so when we face adversity we move forward.

“We changed our mindset and went forward today.”

Dayne Zorko was feeling the heat at Lions training on Wednesday. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Berry’s positive outlook is sure to benefit him this season after a frustrating 2021 campaign in which he made only 11 appearances due a host of injuries.

“I learned a lesson pretty early on in my career when I faced adversity … we needed to take a positive out of a negative, and I guess it’s held me in the stead I am today,” he said.

“When you put things in perspective, it’s just an injury for a footballer. I really have guys that are good sounding board.

“If I face adversity, it’s never really the end of the world. Why live your life negatively? You might as well be positive.”