The former Adelaide Crows small forward will lead the Blues’ fitness training in his role as a playing assistant coach.

McIntyre, who has relocated from Adelaide to Warrnambool, is determined to maintain his elite fitness base and influence his side.

“I’m used to training six days a week,” he said.

“I will keep up the standard. I want to get them (teammates) as fit as they can be and hopefully play off in another grand final.”

He promised his teammates could expect a tough summer on the track.

The 25-year-old is excited about his move to the Blues. 

After six years in the AFL and SANFL systems, McIntyre said he was keen for a change.

McIntyre, originally from Corowa in the state’s north, said he was led to Warrnambool by his fiance Jane Clissold, who grew up in the city. He revealed she was a school friend of Blues key forward Travis Graham and the pair had stayed in touch through social media. 

Graham was responsible for putting the club in contact with McIntyre, who played with SANFL side Central District this year.

Blues coach Scott Carter, football committee chairman Wally Steere and former chairman Neil “Weg” Fary were part of a three-member delegation that made a whirlwind visit to Adelaide in June to watch McIntyre and open talks. 

The Blues’ entourage left Warrnambool at 2 o’clock on a Saturday morning, drove to Melbourne airport, flew to Adelaide, watched McIntyre kick two goals in a near-best-on-ground display in the midfield as his side defeated South Adelaide, flew back to Melbourne and arrived home at 2.30am. 

That morning they were at the Blues’ Sunday fixture against South Warrnambool.

McIntyre also did his homework, watching the Blues’ grand final loss to Koroit.

He said he was keen to bring a fresh approach to the club, which has played in the past seven HFNL grand finals.

“From what I’ve heard, the boys need a bit of a change and I want to bring some new things into the club,” he said.

McIntyre expects to play in the midfield next season, resting up forward. 

It’s a role he’s used to, having done it with Central District. 

Before that, during a four-year stint with Sturt, he played more as a small forward, kicking 49 goals in 2012. It put him fourth on the league’s goalscorer’s list and earning him a place in the SANFL team of the year. 

He played one game while rookie listed with the Adelaide Crows, kicking two goals in a memorable showdown victory against Port Adelaide, also in 2012.

He is hoping to give Carter insights from the field in his role as assistant coach.

Long term, McIntyre is interested in coaching.

“I’m looking forward to settling in and putting in the hard work. I want to play the best level of footy I can without too much pressure of worrying about coaching,” he said.

McIntyre, who stands 178 centimetres tall, is regarded as a strong mark, making him a rare midfield commodity in the Hampden league.

Carter, who hasn’t had a playing assistant in his four years as coach, said he was looking forward to McIntyre’s input. 

Assistants Simon Perry and Mark Inia will continue in their off-field roles.

“The day we were there in Adelaide, I was super impressed with his ability to run hard both ways and his ability to win the contested footy against some hard, strong bodies,” Carter said.

“I think he will bring a real level of professionalism to the club, especially in preparation. At 25 years of age, he is still in his prime.”