It isn’t just the players who are getting prepared for another intense pre-season training camp in Utah with a small group of keen executives again accompanying the group on the trip.

One professional in particular is already doing the groundwork being fully aware of what’s coming his way.

David Wright, Group Sales and Marketing Manager of PFD Food Services, is off on his second high-altitude training camp with North.

“I don’t say this lightly but it really was a life changing experience,” Wright said of his first trip in 2010.

“It’s very full-on physically but I would say the hardest part is the mental challenge. The thing I took away from it is that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. If you can push your body through that, you can get through anything.”

Helping out on-field as a runner during the season, Wright is already physically active but has taken his training regime to the next level in preparation for the November/December camp.

“I always keep pretty fit but I’m doing a specific eight week program before I head to Utah. Yesterday I did a 20km walk and I’ll do plenty of running as well.

“Last time I think I did about 95 per cent of the training on the camp and I don’t want to do any less than that this time.”

Wright explained the ‘unknown’ is one of the most difficult things to grapple with, but believes it’s also the most rewarding element of the trip.

“You just don’t know what’s next. You’ll finish a three hour hike and then straight after, they’ll tell you to do a five kilometre run.

“You’re pushed to your limits every day and it’s pretty amazing to see what you can actually get out of yourself, especially when you think you can’t keep going anymore.”

As well as achieving personal goals, Wright was also impressed by how accommodating the players and coaches were of him and the other executives who joined the team.

“The experience is made so much better by the players and coaches who are great and make you a part of the group. The camaraderie you form with everyone is pretty unique and I loved the opportunity to be a part of something like this.

“Going to Utah gives you a greater appreciation for just how hard these guys train and how hard they’re pushed in preparation for the season ahead.”

Without executives like Wright, the club wouldn’t be able to afford the camp according to chief of football Donald McDonald.

“Their support is vital and without them, there is no Utah,” McDonald said.

“They’re paying upwards of $20,000 to be involved but they also know they’re making a huge contribution to the future of the club and the players’ chances of competing for a premiership in the not too distant future.

“It’s an extremely selfless and wonderful gesture. Some of them have been on every trip and others like David are coming back for the second time which is fantastic for us.”