Preparing for his final season with the side before becoming Australia's full time forwards coach, Dan McKellar said he had been impressed with the work put in by those training back in Canberra while he was in Britain with the Wallabies in November.
McKellar told rugby.com.au., the effect was obvious.
"It's been very good. We've been keeping in close contact with Laurie [Fisher], Rob Seib and Brad Mayo who have been leading the programme whilst I've been gone before Christmas," he said.
However, McKellar kept in touch with Zoom calls and meetings and was impressed.
"I've been a little more hands-on this week, but I've been impressed with the skill level and the commitment from the boys.
"Pre-season is always pretty tough here and it's no different [this time], probably more focus on speed, agility, power, quality over quantity," he said.
Previously, the emphasis had been on conditioning.
"I'm not going to say if that was right or wrong, but we have had a shift this year, and the players have appreciated that. We feel as a team we need to be more powerful, especially against the best teams in the competition," he said.
The changed approach has struck a chord with players. They have also found an emphasis on growing depth has resulted in more competition for places within the squad.
"We've got a majority of the group back together, and everyone enjoys being at the Brumbies and being with each other, so I think the change in how we train has been well received.
"I think a number of the young or new players that have come from other programmes or are getting the first opportunity have been impressive.
"There's genuine competition for spots across the board which is what we need," he said.