“With the possible chance of having a halved season, each game will be twice as important so we don’t want to be stuck behind the 8 ball,” he told The Free Press.
The 25-year-old, who has captained the Roos since 2016, is a much decorated footballer already and very keen on his fitness.
Although the Health Culture Fitness Centre – where he is normally based as a personal trainer – has closed its doors because of the coronavirus, he admits to enjoying his sleep-ins instead of signing on at 6.00am.
“However, I believe it is important to still have a routine,” Filliponi said.
“Exercise is not only good for football but I find it great to clear my head during these difficult times.This includes strength training, kicking the footy with my room-mates and three runs per week - two 3km time trials and a longer steady run.”
Corowa Rutherglen footballers record every run on Strava to ensure they are staying fit in case the season 2020 does get underway.
Every Tuesday night the team meets up on Zoom with senior coach Marc Almond to support each other and stay connected.
“I’m used to seeing these guys three to four times per week so getting 30 minutes to catch-up is great for everyone’s mental health,” Filliponi said.
He also has another workplace on the fitness trail, co-ordinating a lifestyle and weight management program at the Corowa Medical Clinic called the ‘Live-Well Program’ which he has undertaken since December 2018.
Plenty of DIY jobs around the house and a whole lot of Netflix for the Corowa born and bred star fill in time of some days.
Having debuted in 2011, Hayden has played 135 games for the Roos, was leading goalkicker in 2012 and simultaneously was Ovens and Murray League’s Rising Star, and won the club’s best and fairest award in 2018.