Stoimenov joins the Dragons following his work at Essendon Football Club, Hawthorn Football Club, South Melbourne Soccer Club and with the Australian national bobsled squad.

Stoimenov arrived in Australia in 1990 from his native Bulgaria, where he was a professional handball player and coach.

He is now one of the most highly sought-after strength and conditioning experts in Australia and a major signing for the club.

“I believe strength and conditioning is an integral part of a team’s training and preparation,” Stoimenov said this week.

“With the South Dragons I will try to develop every physical quality – strength, flexibility, endurance and explosive strength – rather than focus on just one aspect of fitness.”

Since arriving at the club last month, Stoimenov has shown he is one tough taskmaster. The strength and conditioning guru has already set the club’s four signed players – Shane Heal, Brent Hobba, Jacob Holmes and Joe Ingles – rigorous individualised fitness plans.

“What the players do over the next few months is really important,” Stoimenov said.

“I’m working with some of the players now on an individual basis to set up programs for the off-season, and as the club signs new players I will work with them to develop programs depending on their specific needs - it’s tough, but that’s sport.”

And the hard work is set to continue as the new season draws near.

“I can’t promise I can make the team win every game but I can promise we’re going to work hard and work smart at the same time,” Stoimenov said.

“I can’t wait to be involved with the team.”