Cameron Shepherd, 26 years old, has expressed high regard for Richard Graham, the new head coach of Western Force, along with his assistants, particularly highlighting Charlie Higgins, the new strength and conditioning coach.
According to Shepherd, the pre-season training for Western Force has been both rigorous and challenging, yet visible outcomes are already evident.
“From my own perspective, it’s been incredibly invigorating,” Shepherd shared.
“Over the years, we’ve had a decent lineup of coaches, but without a doubt, this is the strongest I’ve witnessed at the Force.
“Charlie, in particular, has proven himself to be exceptional, quite possibly the best trainer I’ve encountered. He genuinely cares for the team, provides valuable feedback, and also demands a strong work ethic.
“Under his guidance, the boys have endured some very challenging sessions, but there’s always a clear understanding that if you give your all, rewards will follow.”
The squad has been subjected to intensified aerobic training, with players being tasked to keep their heart rates elevated during sessions, which are at times tracked using GPS technology.
Shepherd noted that players are breaking through their pain thresholds.
“The sessions focus on pushing yourself to the maximum and ensuring your heart rate stays as high as possible,” he explained. “This is undoubtedly the fittest Force team I’ve ever seen.”
Embracing the pre-season preparations, Shepherd is enjoying being injury-free for the first time in nearly three years.
His series of injuries began in April 2007 when he injured his left knee in round 11 of the Super 14 season.
He managed to return to the Wallabies World Cup squad, but during his first touch of the ball in a Test match against France, he broke his left fibula in eight places and partially dislocated his ankle.
His remarkable comeback came in round three of the 2009 Super 14 season, where he scored three tries against the Brumbies in Canberra, only to face another setback with a cartilage tear in his left knee eight games later against the Bulls in Pretoria. With four surgeries on his ankle and additional knee operations, he’s now optimistic that those challenges are behind him.
“I truly believe that I put in considerable effort before this pre-season to prepare my body,” he stated.
“My body feels fantastic, and strength-wise, my legs have never been stronger. Mentally, it’s refreshing to be back with the main squad. Anyone who has spent a lengthy time in a rehab program will tell you that it leads to feelings of isolation. So, I’m really appreciating being back with the main group.”