With Victoria forecast to experience stifling temperatures of 39 degrees and above for four consecutive days this week, the heat is well and truly on.
On Wednesday, the mercury hit 42 at Arden Street, but there was no letting up on the training track.
For the Kangaroos’ players, preparation is vital, and each has their own approach to handling the conditions.
Scott McMahon admits the mental challenge has been the biggest hurdle to overcome.
“They are definitely some of the toughest conditions I’ve trained in,” he told NMFC.com.au.
“It gets to you, the longer you train. I said to a couple of the boys it feels like you’re breathing in an oven, it’s not fun.
“Your body can cope with a lot, but it’s all between the ears. It’s majority mental, how hard you can push yourself, and not only that, but to keep backing it up, effort after effort.”
View the best photos from Wednesday's training session
For rookie Max Warren, the intake of fluids before and after the session is vital.
“The preparation starts the night before, making sure you’re hydrated and ready to go for the next day,” he said.
“Then in the morning keep hydrating and trying to stay cool as much as possible. It’s exhausting out there, you just stand in it and you’re exhausted. It’s almost unbearable, you run 100 metres and you’re already stuffed.”
There are some added benefits from training in the heat though.
“The skinnies (skinfolds) will get better I guess,” Warren joked.
Despite the sweat and fatigue, Daniel Currie is embracing the unrelenting weather.
“I think we’ve ticked off two really good sessions so far and still have one to go,” he said.
“As a group, I think they (coaches) have been pretty happy with how we’ve attacked today and Monday and copped the heat on the chin because it’s the same for all of us.
“On the last day in Utah it was about minus 20 degrees and today is about 40 degrees. We’ve gone from one extreme to another and we’ve been able to get through both with pretty good intensity.
“We can show that we can tackle any conditions that are thrown at us.”
West Australian Liam Anthony is accustomed to hot weather, but that hasn’t made the week any easier.
“These three days have been the toughest conditions I’ve had since being at North Melbourne and probably throughout my career.
“Back in Perth you cop the same sort of heat waves, but when you’re playing WAFL, VFL or local footy you get to train at 5.30pm so it’s a bit cooler later in the day.
“We’ve needed plenty of ice baths this week. Most boys usually go in up to their hips, but this week they’re going all the way under the water.”
The players will have a little relief on Thursday with a day off, before returning for another testing session on Friday with temperatures predicted to reach 42 degrees.
View the best photos from Wednesday's training session
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