Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp has revealed that there are times throughout his career he's steered away from traditional weightlifting and strength training in a bid to remain durable.
Ahead of his 250th game, Crisp is also in touching distance of the all-time consecutive games record, set by Melbourne champion Jim Stynes (244) in the 1990s.
The former Lion - who was the 'steak knives' portion of the famous trade that saw the Pies also land Picks 5 (Jordan De Goey) and 25 for Dayne Beams - has stormed into legend status, claiming two Copeland Trophies (2021, 2022) and a premiership medallion in 2023.
Sitting at 237 consecutive games, 82 ahead of the current next best (Charlie Cameron - 142), Crisp is on the brink of making history.
Being in the AFL caper since 2012, the 31-year-old has put it down to renewing his training regime each year.
"Definitely the last few years I've put more work into my body outside the club," Crisp told reporters on Wednesday.
"Love hands-on treatment, extra sleep, cryo(therapy), ice baths, saunas.
"I've tried different things along the way, and obviously lots of rest helps in the off season. Had a few years I didn't touch a weight and did pilates instead.
"(I've worked on) how to really work on individual muscle groups. I found stuff on my back, my hips, calves, things I didn't think I needed to focus on."
Earlier in his career, Crisp admitted he didn't partake in the extras required to remain at his peak for long periods, putting it down to his youth helping him get up for every game each week.
"Taking a leaf" out of Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury's book, the dashing left-footer has picked up many little, but significant, traits along the way.
In 2024, Pendlerbury became the sixth player in V/AFL history to reach 400 games, and has shown no signs of slowing down at age 37.
"I've definitely taken a leaf out of his (Pendlebury) book," Crisp said.
"I remember he was coming in overnight to do ice baths here. I definitely wasn't doing that.
"But all the recovery stuff and the diet, making sure you do the work outside the football club.
"We've been in the game long enough that people know what works for them."
Crisp will celebrate his milestone match when the Pies travel to ENGIE Stadium to take on GWS on Sunday.
Collingwood will be without De Goey (knee), Mason Cox (finger) and recruit Dan Houston (suspension) but will unveil new faces Harry Perryman and Tim Membrey.
