Last year’s beaten grand finalists have embraced yoga, pilates and will even do a session of gymnastics under returning head of strength and conditioning Nathan Honeyman.

The man who led the fitness side of the Steamers’ undefeated 2013 believes the alternative methods reduce their risk of injury and keep them mentally healthy in the season.

The welfare of first-year players is being given extra consideration, particularly those who are new to the area and studying at university.

Welfare packs including details of physiotherapists, nutritionists and other professionals are given to the team, while Honeyman has been hard at work finding interesting ways to keep the Steamers on their toes.

He said he was particularly looking forward to a session with Flyaway Gymnastics.

“I’m told that they’ll be the first men’s sporting team to use the gymnastics club as part of their training,” he said.

“I’m sure it’ll be a bit amusing, but they’re there to work on their upper body strength and balance.

“We have a big turnover of younger players and I place a lot of importance on looking after them properly.

“They’ll go out there every week and put their body on the line, without being paid, we need to make sure we’re doing all we can as a club to keep them fit and healthy.”

The club is embracing yoga and pilates as a means to build strength and keep the team mentally strong.

“The season is longer this year, the pre-season is longer as well, so we have to be mindful of the physical strain the players are under,” Honeyman said.

“It’s also about injury management, keeping them flexible and relaxed reduces the risk of them injuring themselves throughout the season.

“The club is going for its fourth straight grand final, we have to be professional or risk falling behind the other clubs.”