After enduring the toughest training session of the pre-season so far on Monday, the Crows player were subjected to another gruelling hit-out at Max Basheer Reserve on Thursday morning.

The team trained for nearly three hours in hot conditions, using ice vests to cool down during the breaks.

Several senior players nominated Monday’s main training session as one of the most demanding during their time at the Club, and midfielder Brad Symes said coach Brenton Sanderson had pushed the squad just as hard on Thursday.

“We’ve had a couple of tough sessions now since we got back from the Christmas break and today was no exception,” Symes told afc.com.au.

“I struggled with Monday’s session as well.

“It was pretty tough out there … I think it was 37 degrees and we were out on the track for about three hours.

“It’s been hard work, but everyone is training pretty well.

“It’s good to get a few tough sessions in the bank, which will hold us in good stead in four or five weeks when the (NAB Cup) games start.”

Several hundred members and supporters turned out to watch the team train on Thursday as part of the Club’s Junior Fun Day.

The impressive crowd witnessed a competitive training session, with plenty of tackling, blocking and physical one-on-one drills.

The players were encouraged to harass their direct opponent in one particular drill, where defender Matt Jaensch was at his pesky best.

Adelaide ranked a disappointing 15^th in contested possession in 2011, and Symes said the training was aimed at helping the team to improve that area of the game.

“There has been an emphasis on contested drills whether it’s the wrestling in the gym, boxing in the ring or all the contested footy we’re doing out here on the track,” Symes said.

“The boys are getting better and it’s an important part of the game, so if we can nut that area out it will hopefully go a long way towards us winning some good games.”

Defenders Luke Thompson (ankle) and Will Young (fibula) were the only two players excused from training.

The pair ran laps during the session, but will be eased into full training in the coming weeks.

AIS-AFL Academy players Ben Kennedy and Emmanuel Irra also joined in selected drills as part of their week of training at the Club.