Well here are comments from TCT from their training reports (from the off-season) on the AFL dude, it doesnt sound like TCT are blowing their load over him, it appears to be more about what is happening at training:
Day one:
“The players are becoming well-acquainted with Lachlan Wilmot. The recently appointed Head of Athletic Performance is certainly making his presence felt and the Eels are heading into new territory with his expertise.”
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Lachlan Wilmot
Recruiting a Head of Athletic Performance from the AFL was bound to result in a different approach to match conditioning. That’s already evident in week one of the pre-season.
However, the differences aren’t limited to purely conditioning. To my layman’s eye, there appears to be an emphasis on body positioning and technique in running. It’s my understanding that this can lessen the likelihood of particular leg and back problems – though I’d like to speak with Lachlan to clarify this.
Another observation of Wilmot is that he appears to have a philosophy of personal excellence and team responsibility. There was a call for the players to strive for their best and provide encouragement for their team mates.
It will be interesting to observe more of the conditioning work throughout the pre-season and to then note how that changes throughout the season.“
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017/11/10/eels-pre-season-training-november-10-2017-oh-the-humanity/
“The squad were on the running track as Lachlan Wilmot led a running mechanics drill. The Eels are adopting a combination of technique and just damn hard work with their conditioning. There was no stretching out in this session. It was all about athletic technique.”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...raining-november-14-2017-k-man-leads-the-way/
“After the warm up, the field work began with running mechanics. Static body and leg positioning kicked things off, then the hurdles were in use to get the high leg lift working. ”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...r-17-2017-this-is-not-a-drill-actually-it-is/
“Lachlan Wilmot and his team led the first half of the session on the track, taking the players through their running mechanics. It’s interesting to watch the processes used to build up core strength, acceleration, and lateral speed. Like any good teacher, Lachlan explains what will be done and why, followed by demonstration and practice. He and other Athletic Performance staff – Nathan and Josh – then provided individual encouragement or fine tuning as the players went through their paces.
I found it fascinating to listen to the instruction that accompanied the drills as Lachlan explained how the drill would help them to achieve the desired outcomes. Watching the squad going through their paces, it occurred to me that the older players would require a strong element of untraining. Nonetheless, there appears to be a tremendous buy-in, as everyone looked to be embracing and even enjoying the drills.”
“I had the opportunity to speak briefly with new staff members Lachlan, Nathan, Josh (Athletic Performance) and Tahleya (Sports Science). With new staff, change is introduced and the squad are embracing the difference.
With the challenge of not only moving into a different code, but creating that balance between tough conditioning and lighter sessions during a pre-season, Lachlan Wilmot is both confident and enthusiastic about his role and the team he’s joined.”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017/11/21/eels-pre-season-training-november-21-2017-its-the-vibe/
“In recent weeks, I’ve been fortunate enough to get some feedback from Lachlan Wilmot about the need to balance heavier conditioning days with lighter ones. The players learn about that balance as part of their preparation. You want them to work hard, to push themselves, and to be highly conditioned athletes who can perform under fatigue. However, you also want the process to involve recovery and re-generation for future effort. It’s fascinating to watch the scientific approach this pre-season.”
“The heavier conditioning component was controlled by Lachlan and the Athletic Performance staff. Shuttle runs over varying distances followed on from the warm ups, stretches and reminders about the mechanics of their running. This conditioning then transitioned into the game component and the players alternated between these for the duration of their time on the field.”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...n-training-november-28-2017-stop-mannah-time/
“After the stretches and warm ups, Lachlan Wilmot had the players maintaining their running form over the small hurdles. It’s interesting to observe the change in running style with certain players. Undoubtedly there are individuals who have adapted faster than others, and to my eye, the differences seemed exaggerated over the hurdle”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...ing-november-30-2017-hayne-clickbait-edition/
“The vision seen in Lachlan Wilmot’s Sports Science video
here gives you an idea of what the squad were doing. The drill is designed to have the players capable of producing force when driving off either leg, without having to think about it.”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...ning-december-4-2017-getting-ready-for-alice/
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The mechanics work has included the use of rubber bands for use by individuals and pairs.
When the larger bands are used by pairs, it prevents the lead runner from striding out too much and helps them to focus on their action.”
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017/12/13/eels-pre-season-training-december-12-2017-snap-to-it/
With Monday out of the way it was back to business for Tuesday’s final workout. With the usual structure of split groups over two hours, I’ll bypass my usual description of the drills; rather I will provide the purpose behind them.
Station 1 – Running Track with Lachlan Wilmot
Achieving strength and power in unexpected circumstances is the principal behind today’s drills. Most players can drive into their plays with maximum power in “ideal circumstances”. The problem is that football presents a multitude of circumstances that sit outside the ideal. Attackers will step you, you have turn and chase moments, the ball could be popped out to you when you least expect it. Obviously there’s an exhaustive list that any fan could list.
The key then is to train the body to respond with power even when you’re on the wrong leg, when your body is twisted or when you have little time to react. It’s also important for those efforts to be more sustained and to make them second nature.
In doing so, not only are the players efforts maximised, but the risk of injury is also reduced. Ultimately, it’s all about getting the best from your stars and keeping them on the paddock.
Hence we see players carrying weights above their heads, stepping over mini hurdles etc. The players are put into unusual positions in their movements which trains their body to respond to the unexpected.
(Thanks to Lachlan for his run down. This is my attempt to paraphrase his explanation 24 hours later. My apologies to him if I’ve done him an injustice.)
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2017...ing-december-19-2017-merry-christmas-edition/
“Lachlan Wilmot and his staff continued their specialised training with the largest groups that they’ve worked with this year. Some of the players had their mechanics modified according to their stage of rehabilitation.
In addition to the usual equipment, larger hurdles were introduced. The players were rhythmically stepping over the hurdles in a drill which was interesting to observe.
I didn’t speak to Lachlan about the purpose of this drill, so instead I’ll offer my observations of the players.
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2018...-january-4-2018-thursday-tuesday-minus-hills/
A stack of conditioning was undertaken throughout the session. You can’t really call it a break between the opposed drills when you spend that time with Lachlan Wilmot. The players were hitting the tackle bags and completing shuttle runs in demanding conditions.
https://thecumberlandthrow.com/2018/01/06/eels-pre-season-training-january-5-2018-getting-serious/
