PORT ADELAIDE defender Joel Garner says a bonding session at an aquatic obstacle course was the perfect way to end a gruelling pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast.

Having spent a week training at the Sportshub in Lake Kawana and Multisports Complex in Maroochydore, the players and coaching staff enjoyed a competitive day in the water on Wednesday.

“We are down here at Bli Bli Aqua Park today,” Garner told portadelaidefc.com.au fresh out of the water on Wednesday morning.

“We had a bit of fun and it was a good way to finish off the camp for the boys. We celebrated each other and spent some time in the water.

“It was really good.”

The 20-year-old said the camp overall was a great experience and a chance to grow as a team.

Port's players and coaches have been pushing themselves physically in the humid conditions on the Sunshine coast, while also placing a lot of emphasis being placed on team bonding and connection.

“We did a lot in the connection space,” Garner said.

“Working on getting to know each other a bit better - sharing a few stories and that sort of thing.

“Getting to know our teammates on a deeper level has been really good.”

The talented young defender was pleased with his running performances on the Sunshine Coast.

The 60th pick in the 2017 AFL draft has been enjoying his third pre-season with the Power, but admits a break for Christmas after camp is a welcome sight.

“For me, another pre-season camp ticked off,” he said.

“There was a bit of growth in running areas. We smashed plenty of k’s (kilometres) out.

“I’m knackered. I’m pretty tired, but it’s been a really good week.”

Garner is hoping to build on the form he showed in 2019.

The Victoria Metro product made his AFL debut in round 9 against Gold Coast and managed four games by season's end.

He also played an important role in the Magpies run to the SANFL Grand Final and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension.

“I want to keep improving on my fitness,” he said.

“All my craft things as well, so my kicking, my marking. That’s what I’ve really been working on.

“I’ll keep striving really hard, whether that’s in the SANFL or the AFL.

“It’s good to be signed on for another two years. It eases the mind a little bit, and I can get really settled into living in Adelaide.

“I love it here.”