Ford was not much older than many of the Pioneers players when he took on the role at the age of 19.

The now 22-year-old said he had learnt a lot in the country's elite under-age football competition.

"Every pre-season is challenging," Ford said.

"The workloads for the first-year players are not as great as those in their second.

"The amount of running for midfielders and onballers will be higher than those who are key defenders or key forwards," Ford said.

"A lot of the running is individualised."

Pre-season workouts were on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ford works closely with the club's medical team and physios in planning training for players recovering from injury.

On game-day there's the warm-up to plan for.

This Saturday the Pioneers take on Tasmania at North Hobart Oval.

Ford also played a key role with the Pioneers' under-16s in the build-up to the country championships.

Ford has also had stints working with Leon Harris and Jamie Heppner at the AFL Victoria Academy, and with James Veale at the AFL National Academy.

"It's been great learning more about sport science and the use of GPS tracking at training and matches.

"Some of the numbers the players rack up (kilometres covered in matches) are amazing."

Ford has spent the past two years studying Bachelor Exercise Physiology at Latrobe University Bendigo.

"The course at university has given me a lot of ideas to help the Pioneers with their fitness and strength training."

It was many days ago that Ford first approached then Pioneers talent manager Ray Byrne about the prospects of a role at the club.

"Without Ray's support there's no way I would be where I am at.

"He really kicked things off and has given me a lot of support."

Byrne retired from his role earlier this season.

The Pioneers off-field team includes several Latrobe University Bendigo students.

"The club's been great in providing opportunities and a pathway," Ford said.