Training 2024 Preseason training reports and discussion

[lionshine]

We called out for years to get these types of players into the team. I think both are the most exciting to watch in the comp. We've got a cpl of rippers long term. Another cpl of yrs together and we'll be seeing the best of them. McKenna just as important in the mix down back. A more mature head, the new Dan Rich if you will, able to guide them a bit. Kiddy and Wilmot may miss him early.

Been good to hear the Tunstill reports. I like the W.A. boys, they've got a toughness and will always have a good crack, I've said that many times. I'm wondering if the drop in faith in him over the season is because at this time of year in trials, when he does look good, he's given a more prominent role in the midfield. A prominent role in the midfield in the ressies and he looks good enough to elevate. Then when brought in he's more a wing/mid role, wing not being his strength. It's something I've thought has held Dev back a bit, wing doesn't suit him at all.

Overall, pleasing trial form. A cpl of experiments, that may or may not pay off. Nothing long term on the injury front. A notable focus to move the ball quicker. I hope the fitness levels are up there, that's my biggest concern. They experienced the intensity needed in the Gf, they saw the necessity of endurance. I hope they're up for it.

Not a fan of the "drop a man back in red time" plan. I'd rather see us press fwd. Anyway I still see us as a short step ahead of the field with Collingwood. Carlton first up I think a 4-6 team at best this year, will be a big test. Maybe short a few, Berry, Dev n McKenna, but with the crowd at home I can't see them not switched on.

I think Berry & Dev are a chance to play against the Swans next week according to reports so they may be right to play against Carlton.

 

[Tom14]

I agree that Lohmann was poor, but from memory he only got playing time in the 4th period on. Not exactly the best position to shine.

He still tries to do too much with the ball and needs to focus on performing his role.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Last year they tried him wing in the preseason as wing was still an issue with the side going into 2023.
Wing again his first game v Port and i just don't think he had enough time to adjust to what Fagan wants his wingers to do.
He mostly played that mid/fwd role in the Thursday afternoon game. Maybe found himself on the wing at times.
He had a good 2023 VFL season and was an emergency for the GF so must be on the coaches radar.

A ready replacement for Dev's role from that GF side. Dev may play v Swans and performs well to earn that spot back.
Players that train well and perform in trial games should be given another chance if a spot opens up.

According to the Wing Attendance Megathread he was only on the wing for one centre bounce. Of course he may have played the role between goals but there were a lot of goals that day so that seems unlikely.

 

[Grasshopper17]

Last year they tried him wing in the preseason as wing was still an issue with the side going into 2023.
Wing again his first game v Port and i just don't think he had enough time to adjust to what Fagan wants his wingers to do.
He mostly played that mid/fwd role in the Thursday afternoon game. Maybe found himself on the wing at times.
He had a good 2023 VFL season and was an emergency for the GF so must be on the coaches radar.

A ready replacement for Dev's role from that GF side. Dev may play v Swans and performs well to earn that spot back.
Players that train well and perform in trial games should be given another chance if a spot opens up.

Don't get me wrong I want him to do well, and to be honest I think he has a higher ceiling than Dev. I'm simply curious/cautious to see how he goes against AFL-level opposition if given the chance. Particularly against Carlton who will be more physical than most in the midfield.

 

[briztoon]

No idea.
My comment was a general one about how dramatically the game changed from the 1st 4 periods to the last 2 periods. ALL these young men were there playing because they are percieved as quality footballers who have potential to play at the highest level at some stage....watching only the last 2 periods of play, I would beg to differ.

I don’t believe many, if any of our VFL top ups are perceived as having potential to play at the highest level at some stage.

A couple of our VFL players are clearly there because of their brothers.

I’d actually prefer if we had more players like Reville, ex academy kids who might yet show something with a couple of more years at a higher level, then add in a couple of our top academy kids.

I believe I heard Bradley MacDonald’s name mentioned in the telecast, so that’s one.

I do wonder where Billy Richardson is this year, and do hope he’s going around again with the academy as an overager. Miller1971 ?

 

[FeastOrFamine]

Tunstill looks like a guy on the up, good disposal and tackle numbers there.

His second efforts and his tenacity at the contest are really promising. The key for him now is to translate it into form in the seniors.

 

[Mighty Lions]

I don’t believe many, if any of our VFL top ups are perceived as having potential to play at the highest level at some stage.

A couple of our VFL players are clearly there because of their brothers.

I’d actually prefer if we had more players like Reville, ex academy kids who might yet show something with a couple of more years at a higher level, then add in a couple of our top academy kids.

I believe I heard Bradley MacDonald’s name mentioned in the telecast, so that’s one.

I do wonder where Billy Richardson is this year, and do hope he’s going around again with the academy as an overager. Miller1971 ?

Dis agree with the top up's comment. They are there because they show promise and not just to make up the numbers.

 

[Mighty Lions]

Yeah the last two periods were terrible from the reserves. I think the scoring was something like 71-25 in Suns favour in those final two periods. I know Ah Chee played a bit prior to that time, but he was the only one that actually showed anything. Expected more from Answerth and KLohmann but the cupboard is pretty bare with what’s left if we need to rely on many of them. Looks like that dreaded curse of players that are being pumped up off season do zero if KLomanns form doesn’t improve because he was ordinary. It is only one game I know but some performances would want to lift.

I still believe Kai will play senior footy sometime this year and will hopefully nail a spot in the 22. One practice match isn't a gaugue on anyone's career at this stage. We have some talented lads in the two's but unfortunately their game on Thursday night wasnt good.

 

[knaf]

How long was Kai back into full training after injury. ( broken collarbone?)

 

[BangyBangy]

The last two terms of that game really got me down.

I can't see where our next win is going to come from.

 

[Viceregal]

The last two terms of that game really got me down.

I can't see where our next win is going to come from.

Our AFL team hopefully

 

[Scubaveg]

Just had a chance to watch the suns game. Still too many dump kicks out of defence from Willmott


On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

 

[Jirik13]

As a Suns fan I stick firmly to 'practice games mean nothing' to keep my hopes for the regular season.

But if I would have to assess the practice game in a couple of words, here it is.

Suns best 22 were shit, Lions reserves were shit.

FWIW, I have Lions finishing top 4 and ending up in GF with GWS.

I noticed some criticism in Lions threads. No need for it. Enjoy the ride (and not only this year). The list is well set up for continuous success.

 

[M Malice]

FWIW, I have Lions finishing top 4 and ending up in GF with GWS.

I noticed some criticism in Lions threads. No need for it. Enjoy the ride (and not only this year). The list is well set up for continuous success.

Yep the only vital best 22 players we will have trouble replacing over the next 2-4 seasons are Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher... both almost impossible to "replace" to the same level.

 

[lionshine]

Yep the only vital best 22 players we will have trouble replacing over the next 2-4 seasons are Charlie Cameron and Joe Daniher... both almost impossible to "replace" to the same level.

Hoping trade/free agency lands us another gun forward once they retire to keep the list in contention.

 

[briztoon]

Hoping trade/free agency lands us another gun forward once they retire to keep the list in contention.

Max King.

 

[Jirik13]

Max King.

Better chance with Ben King?

 

[Dalions]

Better chance with Ben King?

Why, he seems invested.
Have some confidence mate

 

[Jirik13]

Why, he seems invested.
Have some confidence mate

Sure, I hope for the best.

Ben will be free agent in 3 years. If Suns don't play finals by then there is a good chance he is gone. I just think Max is basically no chance leaving Saints, the club the whole family supports (compared to Ben with Suns).

 

[briztoon]

Sure, I hope for the best.

Ben will be free agent in 3 years. If Suns don't play finals by then there is a good chance he is gone. I just think Max is basically no chance leaving Saints, the club the whole family supports (compared to Ben with Suns).

I’m just going withe Daniher scenario.

Player viewed as the “saviour” has continuous injury problems and wants out and away from the spot light.

Moves to a club with a track record of helping injury prone players, and players seeking a good culture and out of the limelight.

Whole family can move up here, and parents can retire to the Gold Coast.

 

[M Malice]

Either Ben/Max King

Multiple players found. Use birthday to differentiate. eg [PLAYERCARD="23/11/1962"]Joe Smith[/PLAYERCARD]

would be ideal... or Logan McDonald OOC this year.

 

[scoman]

Still think most of our future talls can keep coming through the academy, although there has been a bit of a drop off the last few years. I think there are a couple of highly rated small forwards on the horizon too.

 

[Mighty Lions]

Better chance with Ben King?

dont like either...prone to injury.

 

[DreadBat5701894]

dont like either...prone to injury.

So was Daniher though

 

[Mighty Lions]

So was Daniher though

Love Joey.

Him & Hippy in tandem are weapons.