WAKING up at 6am for a brutal Chad Cornes-led combat session on the sandy shores of Maroochydore might not be everyone’s dream Saturday morning, but for Dan Houston it was yet another chance to build valuable fitness.

Drafted as a forward before coming into his own as a defender, Houston made the move into Port Adelaide’s midfield in 2019 and enjoyed a breakout season, setting career-bests for kicks, disposals, tackles and goals.

Now the Oakleigh Chargers product is hoping to build on his outstanding year – that saw him finish third in John Cahill Medal voting – by securing his place in the Power’s engine room.

“I’m definitely eyeing off a midfield spot this year, but I think the thing that I’m trying to do at this stage of pre-season is just build my fitness up,” the 22-year-old told portadelaidefc.com.au after Saturday’s physical beach session.

“I think I had a pretty good base fitness going into last year, but I really want to build on that going into the midfield.

“And I think some contest work at training will help me for the long term and going into the midfield.”

Port Adelaide’s new no. 5, who took his career games tally to 60 in 2019, said being tested physically in an unfamiliar environment was a good chance for the team to build both their fitness and club culture.

“It was a good morning to get out and come down to the beach and do a bit of body work and a bit of grit stuff,” he said.

“We all helped each other through, which was good.

“It definitely makes it harder considering what we’ve put together the last couple of days because we’ve had some really solid sessions combined with some pretty hot weather.

“We’ve built this culture that we help each other through and get around each other which makes it a lot easier.”

Earning a spot off of Port Adelaide’s rookie list, Houston is no stranger to hard work, but he admits the high work load on camp is testing a few of his teammates.

However, the smooth-moving right footer said the comradery between the playing group is high and everyone knows they can push through everything together.

“The arms and legs a little bit fatigued, but I’m going into my fifth pre-season – it definitely helps a lot more,” he said.

“You know there’s people that are struggling more than you are so it’s good to help other players with that sort of stuff.

“I’m feeling pretty good at this stage.”

There are some big bodies in Port Adelaide’s team – and even coaching group – and when wrestling and tackling in the sand is on the cards some are more at home than others.

However, Houston said there is no better preparation for the challenges of AFL football than testing yourself against the toughest competition within your own four walls.

“It is pretty intimidating, but you know if you can match it with Charlie (Dixon) and Chad (Cornes) and give it your best when you’re versing them it makes you a lot better for the long run when you have to take down players that are smaller than you,” he said.

“It gives you a lot of confidence and it’s a good challenge to have big Charlie or big Chad run at you.”

When he wasn’t challenging himself against the big frames of the group, Houston admitted several of Port’s younger players caught his eye.

“Some of the young guys, Marty Frederick was pretty good the whole time – he’s one that I got the see,” he said.

“Tobin Cox was pretty strong as well in these sorts of drills.”