HILL sprints, 3km time trials, fartlek runs and more were all in a gruelling training camp for Bendigo Pioneers clubmates Aidyn Johnson and Tommy Cole in the United States.
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The 17-year-old footballers joined those in the AFL Academy under-18s squad for a 10-day training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida.
Both said on Tuesday the training sessions were extremely tough.
"It's the toughest training I've done," Johnson said.
"Session one was a massive test. There was still some jetlag, which made it even more difficult," he said of doing a 3km time trial, a body weight circuit, fartlek run, and the hill sprints.
"The hill sprints were a great test. It was the last thing we had to do.
"Once it was done all the boys were up and about."
He said other sessions with the Brad Johnson-coached squad included pilates, swimming, gym workouts, and meetings on leadership.
Whether it's with the Pioneers or Scotch College, Aidyn Johnson is aiming to play more of an on-ball role this season.
"The camp in the US and other training sessions with the Academy have helped a lot in building endurance and strength," said Johnson.
"The goal is to maintain the level of intensity from the sessions in Florida."
Johnson and Cole will be at Epsom-Huntly for Wednesday night's training session with the Brett Henderson-coached Pioneers and Sunday's intra-club match at the same venue.
For Cole, completing the first workout in Florida was a highlight.
"I learnt a lot about being able to push through the pain and keep going," he said of the drills which went for 12-minutes and were followed by an eight-minute rest before the next workout.
"Being with the Academy has helped a lot. It's not just about on-field skills, but also nutrition, weight programs and more."
Cole played for Sandhurst in the Bendigo Football Netball League's senior grand final last September.
It was not all work in the US as the footballers were courtside for tne NBA match between Oklahoma and Orlando.