Five weeks into the club’s first AFLW pre-season, senior coach Paul Hood couldn’t be happier with the progress of his squad.

Hood credits the group’s ability to support but also challenge one another as a key contributor to the successful start to the program.

“It’s a really supportive but competitive mood in the team and everyone’s pushing each other to achieve their best times and train really well,” Hood explains.

The team’s competitive streak was seen on Tuesday during their 2km time trial. Senior player Renee Garing took the honours, followed closely by this year’s number one draft pick Nina Morrison.

“I’ve been impressed by the running of some of the players. Players like Bec Goring have really stepped up. One of the biggest surprises was Nina Morrison getting beaten in something yesterday. It was great to see Renee out there flying again and winning that 2km time trial. A bit of healthy rivalry has been great.”

The attitude of the playing group impressed Hood from week one when the team spent time together on a camp at Deakin University.

“The way everyone bonded on that experience, looked after each other, cared about each other, worked together and seemed to get on really well just flows through to everything else that this group does. It’s really hard to see anything but a great culture being built when you see people getting on together so well and working so hard at the same time.”

After a solid five-week training block the team now heads into a two week Christmas break and Hood believes the group is on track.

“Everyone’s getting fitter, stronger, faster and more skillful, so we’re able to do more. Getting the players lots of touches and sort of extending their capabilities has been a real focus.”

“The increase skill level means we’re able to do a lot more in training, so you can just put extra layers on drills to challenge the players a little bit further.”

“I know we need to do some work before the season starts, but from my end, the games just can’t come quick enough.”

Geelong will open the 2019 AFLW season on Saturday February 2 when they take on Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium at 6.40pm.