HUGH Goddard’s second pre-season at AFL level is proving to be more intense than his first, and you won’t hear a word of complaint about it from the competitive youngster.

Goddard arrived at the Saints 12 months ago with pick 21, bringing a big junior reputation and a body that seemed ready-made for AFL football.

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But the Saints were not about to rush him through, instead taking the slow and steady approach with the key defender and his fellow first-year players Jack Lonie, Paddy McCartin, Jack Sinclair and Daniel McKenzie.

After a year in the system, Goddard and the class of 2014 have upped their training as their bodies become more equipped for the demands of football at the elite level.

“I guess we are doing a bit more. The first year you come in you probably get pulled back a little bit,” Goddard said.

“It can be frustrating at times but it is more about getting used to the loads and the management through Josh Low and the High Performance Team. We are doing a lot more this year and focusing on where we want to get to and putting the hard yards in to get to where we want to be.”

St Kilda’s first to fourth year players resumed training on November 9, with the rest of the squad to return next Monday, November 23.

The 19-year-old said he was relishing his second pre-season and the extra work that came with it.

“It’s been really good. Coming back for the second time round you feel more comfortable. The younger boys have been really good and been pushing each other along,” he said.

“We know if we’re going to get somewhere in the next few years it’s really this group that has got to drive the club and push each other to get to where we want to be. It’s been really good catching up with everyone and seeing what everyone has been doing on their break.”

“It’s a bit different – not as many old man jokes. It’s good spending the time with the guys your own age and getting to know them a bit better and being still pretty young and new to the club. It’s good to spend time with those boys and everyone’s pretty keen. We see all the other guys come back next week as a full group and hit the track hard. We go to Mooloolaba next week which is also really exciting.

And while round one is still four months away, Goddard said there was a clear standout on the training track so far.

“Jack Newnes is really leading from the front in terms of what he is doing on and off the field. His running ability has stepped up even more,” he said.

“He took out the 3km time trial and really looked good there. Everyone has come back in real good nick and it has shown we’re moving on to bigger and better things.”