It’s been a long time since the 25 year-old has been able to complete a full pre-season training program and hit the start of the season at full fitness.
“I suppose as long as I can remember really…there’s always been hiccups along the way. It’s been really good to get out on the park from the start and run with the boys and have no problems, so it’s going really well,” Wells told kangaroos.com.au.
“I don’t want to get too excited, it’s still early days but I haven’t felt this good for a long time so I’ve just got to keep building on it with each session and attack it as hard as I can…and when we get back home, put it to good use.”
Surgery around this time last year to alleviate hip and groin pain was a risk, but one Wells is now glad he took.
“Oh yeah, it’s such a relief…before the surgery I was pretty nervous about it and what could have come of it but last year was promising the way it (hip/groin) held up through the rigours of an AFL season and I don’t really feel it at all now…I’m just trying to build on my fitness and the past troubles I had aren’t even an issue now.”
The silky-skilled midfielder averaged more than 20 possessions a game in 2010 and enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons since being selected in the 2002 National Draft.
“I’m just really looking forward to getting the most out of my body in Utah…I think all the boys are starting to see the benefits already on an individual level.
“It’s been a pretty tough camp so far and they’re (coaches) just pushing us really hard and trying to make the most of the time we’ve got here…not just physically but mentally as well. Everything they do is to challenge you and it’s up to the individual just how far they want to take it and what they want to get out of it.”
Wells says the opportunity to play at his peak with a young and talented side is what’s helping him get through the all the day to day fatigue and exhaustion.
“What drives me is being able to play the footy I want to play with this great group…If I can get anywhere near the expectations I have set, I will be pretty happy. Each step I take up there, it’s trying to be a little bit selfish I suppose and trying to get every little bit out of it. It’s unfinished business in a way and there are things I want to get out of myself in the coming years.”
And while the thought of packing his bags and heading home is tempting, he realises there is still some serious work to do.
“I’m missing my wife and daughter a lot…we speak on Skype every couple of days. I could easily go home tonight, but at the same time we still have about a week of hard work to go and it will be a huge season next year…what we are doing now will all come into play when we get stuck into it.
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