Australian Football League stars have traded holiday relaxation for intense physical exertion, returning to their clubs for the first gruelling pre-season training sessions of 2026. Players across multiple clubs braved scorching summer conditions as the long road to the new season officially began.
Clubs Hit the Track in Sweltering Conditions
The post-Christmas training block commenced on January 8, 2026, marking a critical phase in preparation for the upcoming campaign. A significant number of clubs welcomed their players back, with training schedules ramping up ahead of Opening Round. Among the teams tackling the oppressive heat on day one were Adelaide, Brisbane, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Melbourne, Richmond, Hawthorn, GWS, and Sydney.
Demons and Tigers Lead the Early Charge
At the Melbourne Demons' base in Casey, several key players were among the first to report for duty. The club highlighted the return of Brody Mihocek, Caleb Windsor, Jacob Van Rooyen, Daniel Turner, and Jack Henderson, sharing images of the group checking back in for the new year.
Over at Punt Road, a contingent of Richmond's emerging talent descended on the club's facilities. Young Tigers including Luke Trainor, Rhyan Mansell, Tyler Sonsie, Sam Grlj, and Josh Smillie were put through their paces. They were joined by experienced midfielder Tim Taranto, providing a blend of youth and leadership on the track.
Hawks Showcase Their Return at Dingley
Hawthorn Football Club also documented its players' return to the club's Dingley headquarters. The Hawks' social media captured the mood and fitness levels of the squad as they embarked on their first official session of 2026, signalling a unified start to the pre-season grind.
This return to training underscores the immense physical demands placed on AFL athletes. The scorching heat adds an extra layer of difficulty to an already punishing regimen, testing players' endurance and conditioning from the outset. The work done in these summer months is widely considered the foundation for success later in the year, as every club begins its quest for the ultimate prize: the 2026 premiership.
