Nutri-Grain Ironman Series champion Alastair Day is set to become the latest high profile athlete to try his hand at a rival sport as he announces his intentions to join 2016 AFL Grand Finalists, the Sydney Swans during the AFL pre-season.

The four-time Coolangatta Gold champion and long-time AFL fan will be joining his favourite team, the Sydney Swans for their pre-season training program as he seeks to push his body like never before prior to the February IronMan Series.

The 2015/16 Nutri-Grain Series runner up will train with the Swans over a three day period this January, with the hope of impressing Sydney’s coaches and players.

“Winning the Coolangatta Gold again was a goal I was confident of ticking off but I know I need something more to win another Nutri-Grain IronMan title,” said Day.

“I've grown up with AFL and being a big Swannies supporter and getting to know some of the boys over the years the opportunity came up to train with one of the best AFL teams in the game.

“AFL training and Ironman training really aren't that different. Both are high endurance sports that combine a lot of disciplines so I felt it was a great way to gain skills that none of the other ironmen will have leading into this season.

“Hopefully I can teach the boys a thing or two as well and share a bit of my skills from training as an ironman.

“My dad loves the Swans and took me to all the games as a kid. If I wasn't an ironman I would have loved to put my efforts into playing AFL.”

Overseeing Day’s progress will be Sydney Swans’ development coaches, including 2005 premiership player, Nick Davis.

“We are looking forward to the opportunity to have one of the best Nutri-Grain IronMen train alongside us,” Davis said.

“We think having Ali around the club will have a positive influence on our group. We can’t wait to see what he has to offer.”

Day is expected to return to full training with Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club, once he has completed his training program with the Sydney Swans, in preparation for the Nutri-Grain IronMan Finals Series in February.

The Nutri-Grain IronMan Finals Series will be held over three days at North Cronulla Beach, NSW from Friday 24 February – Sunday 26 February, 2017.

Ali Day alongside Swans ruckman Kurt Tippett at Lakeside Oval.

Ali Day during a power endurance circuit at Swans training.