Melbourne Heart FC’s Hyundai A-League squad reported back to club headquarters today for the opening day of the 2012/13 pre-season.

Melbourne Heart FC-s Hyundai A-League squad reported back to club headquarters today for the opening day of the 2012/13 pre-season.

Following a six-week break, the team reconvened for a series of physical assessments designed to measure their well-being ahead of what promises to be a gruelling four month preparation.

New signing Andrew Redmayne joined the squad for his first day as a Heart player, taking part in the comprehensive review, encompassing cardiac screenings, blood, cognitive and skin fold testing as well as a physiotherapist assessment.

While Head Coach John Aloisi has already developed his training regime for the next two months, the results of the screening process will play a crucial role in tailoring programs to account for a player-s individual needs, such as in the case of captain Fred.

The midfield maestro will undertake a modified training program during the early part of the off-season to ensure he makes a rapid and lasting recovery from off-season surgery, with his loading to increase incrementally over a period of months.

Other players may be faced with additional sessions to return to pre-break fitness levels, while any niggling injury hassles or concerns will be addressed and treated as the group faces the longest off-season in competition history.

Tuesday afternoon, the team will take part in a beep test to assess their cardio vascular fitness.