Newly appointed assistant coach Brett Kirk is excited about what the next few months has in store as the side prepares for the 2016 season.

The former Swans captain was on hand for day one of pre-season training on Monday as the first to fourth year players kicked off pre-season training.

Kirk has been appointed the forward line coach for the upcoming season, a change from where he lined up as a player through the midfield.

“It is a little bit different after playing all my football in the midfield,” Kirk said.

“At the end of the day when you are coaching you are a teacher and you are trying to coach people’s minds.”

“I am just looking forward to rolling my sleeves up and working with the forwards.”

The younger Swans players returned to the track in impressive condition on Monday morning to take part in a gruelling session under the hot sun.

Kirk said it was the pre-season sessions that would set the foundations for success in 2016.

“I think between November and February that is where you set your season up and that is where all the hard work is done,” he said.

“I am sure that our guys will come back fit, I am looking forward to seeing what condition they are in and then it is about pushing them to get the best out of them.

“That is what I love about coaching, it inspires me to see young men grow and so that is what the appeal of coaching is.”

Having walked back through the doors a week ago the former champion midfielder is already pleased to be back where he played out his 241 game career.

“I am really excited to be back in the red and white,” Kirk said.

“I am really passionate about the footy club, I am back here to serve the footy club and I am really looking forward to working with the players.”