He and football operations manager Craig Notman recently visited the Top End to put the finishing touches on what will be the club’s first pre-season camp under coach Mark Neeld.
“We first started to look at the potential of holding a camp in Darwin while we were playing there in Round 17. We wanted to ensure that we could pick up our current program and put it down in Darwin and not be too compromised,” he said.
“On my recent trip with Craig Notman, we were both satisfied that the facilities available at Robertson Barracks and Palmerston Football Club satisfy that demand.
“A highlight of the camp will be a 35km hike through a section of Kakadu National Park. This walk, set in the natural landscapes of the park, will be on the second last day of the camp and will test the players and staff.”
Mahoney said the club sees two key beneficial reasons for travelling to Darwin for the camp.
“Firstly, it further enhances our commitment to the Northern Territory, over and above our agreement to play games,” he said.
“And secondly, the conditions in Darwin at that time of year are extreme, in both heat and humidity. These conditions will further challenge our players’ resilience and mental toughness, with the pressure to perform under duress.
“In preparation for the camp it hasn't only been the players working hard. The staff have also increased their visits to the gym and runs around the Tan. They too realise that the conditions in Darwin will be challenging for everyone.”
Mahoney said staging the camp and spending in time in the Top End reminded the club how vital it was to provide football in the Territory.
“Each time we go to the Northern Territory we are reminded of how important AFL football is to the community and the important role sport plays particularly with kids.
“While in Darwin, we are committed to a super clinic in Darwin, and we will attend a number of NTFL games and hold a clinic at Jabiru. We’ve received great feedback from AFLNT on the way we have delivered our community programs in the NT in the past and we see this as an important aspect of our involvement in NT.
“Recent investments made by the NT government to upgrade facilities at TIO Stadium, the Michael Long Academy and Palmerston Football Club show their commitment to AFL football and further evidence of the role it plays in the community.”
