PORT ADELAIDE ball magnet Tom Rockliff has completed practically every training session this pre-season, despite a shoulder operation at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Rockliff says he has been able to complete the running and fitness sessions, but has been limited in full-contact football training.
“I’ve done pretty much all of the training throughout the summer,” Rockliff told media in between sessions at the Power's pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast on Monday afternoon.
“I’d like to do a little bit more midfield work, to work with Jarrad Schofield, but I will be out of the pink hat just after Christmas.
“Obviously, another shoulder operation and the pink hat means pretty much no contact.
“I’ve completed all sessions up to Christmas and I feel really good, so once the hat comes off, I think I’ve set a really good foundation to have a big post-Christmas period, then hopefully a really big season.”
The former Lion said the opportunity to get away as a team was invaluable and a perfect way to get to know the new players.
“It’s been good - the boys have been training really well,” Rockliff said.
“We have had a few different sessions along the way. We went paintballing and stuff yesterday. The bonding side of it has been really good.
“You don’t get opportunities like this back home, particularly in Adelaide when you finish training and go home and see your family.
“To spend time away as a group is really important for us, and to get to know the young guys as well, and to see their personalities start to come out is good.”
Rockliff has been extremely impressed with the facilities on the Sunshine Coast, and how the locals have really embraced Port Adelaide and football in general in the region.
“It’s been another outstanding camp,” he said.
“The locals have really looked after us - the Sunshine Coast people really embrace AFL football when it comes up here. I think they get a kick out of it as much as we do.
“Everything has been faultless so far for us - the accommodation and the gym.
“They have welcomed us with open arms, which is a really nice thing.”
Port Adelaide will spend another day training in Maroochydore, before returning home and into the Christmas break on Wednesday afternoon.
