"All of the above with [head conditioner] Tony Grimaldi," Faitala-Mariner said.
"I would say Deano's taking us back old school. More running, probably 10 minutes of skill at the start and then the rest of the session has just been running – I'd say it's probably the toughest pre-season I've ever done.
"He was real big on us being a fit squad, especially in our forward pack with that structure that we have, we're doing a lot of running and transitioning. That was his main focus for us to get as fit as he can."
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An off-season of tumult temporarily uprooted the foundations at Belmore, but the club has stabilised with a new coach, chief executive (Andrew Hill) and chairwoman (Lynne Anderson) since the end of last season.
After almost 18 months of the probing media spotlight obsessed with Hasler's future and, in more recent times, Canterbury's board elections, Pay's arrival has ushered in a period of calm.
"He's more relaxed than what I kind of expected, he's real strong and he really emphasises aggression – bringing that madness out of us players but also that controlled aggression as well, he doesn't want us going overboard," Faitala-Mariner said.
"He's really simplified footy and he's really brought the joy back into footy. He's really hard on being aggressive and being tough.
"It [2017] was tough, a lot of up and downs last year. But that's the past now and we're just focused on this year.
"A lot of boys have bought into what Deano's expecting of us this year and that's a good thing, all the boys buying in and being on the same page."
Pay's arrival has also ushered in a new chapter in Faitala-Mariner's career. The 24-year-old started mostly from the bench under Hasler but has now forced his way into the starting 13.
"With all the changes within the club and everything it's really changed my perspective towards this year," Faitala-Mariner said.
"It's given me new goals having new staff, new facilities. Everything that is new has made me change my view towards the game as well. Kind of like I've freshened up from last year and the year before.
"Deano giving me a few talks and just knowing that he has that trust in me, that's given me the confidence to do what I can do on the field. There's not much pressure on my back."
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James Buckley writes on AFL for The Sydney Morning Herald.
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