Giants forward builds up for pre-season

PREPARATIONS for Ollie Hannaford’s second AFL pre-season with Greater Western Sydney Giants have included some gruelling running sessions on the Lar Birpa track in Bendigo.

Hannaford has teamed with gun Bendigo athlete Ollie Muggleton and long-time athletics coach Peter Barrett for sprint work.

There have been many reps at 100m, 200m or 300m distances.

Hannaford’s run to the big league included representing many clubs.

Among them was Colbinabbin in a two-game stint with the Grasshoppers’ under-18s in the 2021 season.

With his game reliant on pace and ability to break clear of or get to many contests, Hannaford has worked hard since he returned to Bendigo at the end of September.

“A goal leading into next season was to be fitter and stronger.”

The Giants have John Quinn involved with their fitness program and it was he who suggested Hannaford get in contact with Barrett about some training sessions while in Bendigo.

The Ollies, Hannaford and Muggleton have put in the work each Tuesday and Thursday night.

There was a one-week break as Hannaford holidayed in Bali.

Across his footy journey Hannaford has played for St Therese’s Sharks, Sandhurst, and East Point.

He starred for Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Coates Talent League of ’24.

When not on the footy field, Hannaford was studying at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat.

A six-goal haul as GWV was runner-up to Sandringham in the Coates Talent League grand final in ’24 meant Hannaford surged up the draft order.

He was taken at pick 18 by the Giants.

Season one with GWS was limited to to just four matches in the VFL.

After breaking his wrist in the first of the VFL practice matches, Hannaford did not take the field until the seventh round.

He played three matches in a row and then tore ankle ligaments.

Hannaford did not play again the VFL wildcard final against Richmond.

“I had never had long-term injuries until last season,” Hannaford said after his latest workout at Lar Birpa in Flora Hill.

Hannaford knows the workrate will rise from November 24 when the Giants pre-season begins.