Training Saints preseason 2026

[stavro#4]

Might be a good reflection.

But Werribee finished 16th out of 21 sides in the VFL this season.

Obviously standalone aswell.

6th best defence in the league based on points against.

 

[stavro#4]

 

[stavro#4]

Lots of running. Repeat 50's and oval work. Zero kicking.

That’s pretty positive still, No?

 

[stavro#4]

 

[Remboy]

That’s pretty positive still, No?

If he's pain free it's a big step up from a couple of months ago.

 

[stavro#4]

Bits on Allan. Seems like a good bloke and communicator.

 

[SainterinSydney]

I assume Max will need to do alot of conditioning before getting into proper training.

 

[stavro#4]

King’s scoring power was sorely missed by the Saints last season but there is optimism they can become a greater attacking force regardless of when he returns to play in 2026.

The 25-year-old dual leading goalkicker joined his teammates briefly on the track as he was put through some running drills before swapping from runners to footy boots for some marking and shots at goal.

But King returned indoors after little more than 20 minutes as he continues with a cautious, heavily-tailored approach to his recovery from surgery to alleviate persistent pain in his knee.

Instead it was Mitch Owens and Anthony Caminiti who caught the eye during the session with their powerful pack marking as the Saints’ first to fourth-year players were put through their paces.

Caminiti appears poised to return to attack in 2026 after he spent most of last season supporting Callum Wilkie

44

Callum Wilkie

Age

29

Ht

191cm

Wt

88kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.2

4star

K

9.8

4star

HB

4.4

3star

M

4.5

4star

T

1.8

4star

MG

221.3

3star

D

12.6

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

3.6

2star

M

2.6

3star

T

1.4

2star

MG

223.1

3star

D

14.0

4star

K

8.4

4star

HB

5.6

4star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.2

4star

MG

170.0

3star

in a key defensive role.

ASSISTANTS RUN THE SHOW

Small forwards Darcy Wilson and Lance Collard were lively at ground level and both received enthusiastic praise from Saints forward coach Brendon Bolton, who was pleased with their defensive pressure.

Coach Ross Lyon remains overseas on a professional development trip but senior assistant Corey Enright was in the thick of training, as well as newly appointed VFL coach Brendon Goddard and Robert Harvey, who took a group of young midfielders to work on their stoppage craft.

Fourth-round draft pick Patrick Said, who played mostly as a small forward in 10 VFL games this year, was a standout with his agility and clean hands during the contested drills.

Irish recruit Eamonn Armstrong also caught the eye with his 194cm frame and leg speed as he prepares for his first taste of senior football next season.

The 19-year-old joined the club midway through 2025 after finishing high school.

Fellow Irishman Liam O’Connell stood out with some nicely weighted kicks to Caminiti, Owens and Cooper Sharman during a forward entries drill, while Max Hall also kept his leading forwards happy.

Darcy Wilson in action at St Kilda’s opening day of pre-season. Picture: St Kilda FC
Darcy Wilson in action at St Kilda’s opening day of pre-season. Picture: St Kilda FC
A FEW KEELERS HEAVIER

Another young tall, Isaac Keeler, has returned to training boasting a considerably bulkier build – to the extent that he wasn’t able to wear his 2025 training top on Wednesday.

Keeler duelled extensively with ruckman Alex Dodson in marking contests after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera pumped up his great friend, who earnt a one-year contract extension to remain a Saint in 2026.

“A fair few boys have come back in great nick. A few boys have put on some size. I’m sure the Darcy Wilson photo has gone viral … Isaac (Keeler) has put on a fair bit,” Wanganeen-Milera said.

“I’m super excited for what they can bring. We’ve got a few young boys who have put on some weight and are great runners (who are) pretty hungry to get out there and play some footy.”

WHICH SENIOR SAINTS ARE TRAINING?

King was not the only experienced Saint to return to training early – Gold Coast recruit Sam Flanders and goal sneak Jack Higgins were on the oval moving through their own running programs, while veteran wingman Mason Wood

32

Mason Wood

Age

32

Ht

192cm

Wt

86kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.2

3star

K

7.8

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

4.0

4star

T

2.2

4star

CL

0.3

2star

D

8.3

2star

K

2.7

1star

HB

5.7

3star

M

1.7

2star

T

1.3

2star

CL

0.0

1star

D

15.8

4star

K

8.6

4star

HB

7.2

5star

M

4.6

5star

T

2.6

4star

CL

0.6

3star

mingled with the main group.

Wood paired up with Wanganeen-Milera for stoppage work and was a full participant in training – until the group was sent on an interval running workout, at which point he decided it might be a good time to practice some goalkicking.

Prized off-season recruits Tom De Koning

12

Tom De Koning

Age

26

Ht

201cm

Wt

102kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

8.0

2star

K

3.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

CL

0.5

2star

HO

1.5

4star

No current season stats available

D

8.0

2star

K

3.0

1star

HB

5.0

4star

CL

0.5

3star

HO

1.5

5star

, Jack Silvagni

1

Jack Silvagni

Age

27

Ht

194cm

Wt

92kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.0

3star

K

7.1

3star

HB

3.8

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.9

4star

MG

176.9

3star

D

5.3

1star

K

4.0

1star

HB

1.3

1star

M

1.7

2star

T

0.7

1star

MG

91.0

2star

D

9.2

3star

K

6.2

3star

HB

3.0

3star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.8

5star

MG

131.4

3star

and Liam Ryan

1

Liam Ryan

Age

29

Ht

181cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.3

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

2.7

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

4star

G

1.3

5star

D

9.9

3star

K

8.0

3star

HB

1.9

1star

M

3.3

3star

T

1.6

3star

G

1.3

5star

D

11.4

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

2.4

3star

M

3.8

4star

T

1.8

4star

G

1.6

5star

were not sighted as the Saints with more than five years’ experience prepare to return by November 24

 

[TheJackal]

In todays episode of long short spotto I saw Hugh Boxshall sporting the long shorts.

Sammy Flanders clearly reads the important training reports and sorted out his wardrobe for session number two.

 

[SainterinSydney]

King’s scoring power was sorely missed by the Saints last season but there is optimism they can become a greater attacking force regardless of when he returns to play in 2026.

The 25-year-old dual leading goalkicker joined his teammates briefly on the track as he was put through some running drills before swapping from runners to footy boots for some marking and shots at goal.

But King returned indoors after little more than 20 minutes as he continues with a cautious, heavily-tailored approach to his recovery from surgery to alleviate persistent pain in his knee.

Instead it was Mitch Owens and Anthony Caminiti who caught the eye during the session with their powerful pack marking as the Saints’ first to fourth-year players were put through their paces.

Caminiti appears poised to return to attack in 2026 after he spent most of last season supporting Callum Wilkie in a key defensive role.

ASSISTANTS RUN THE SHOW

Small forwards Darcy Wilson and Lance Collard were lively at ground level and both received enthusiastic praise from Saints forward coach Brendon Bolton, who was pleased with their defensive pressure.

Coach Ross Lyon remains overseas on a professional development trip but senior assistant Corey Enright was in the thick of training, as well as newly appointed VFL coach Brendon Goddard and Robert Harvey, who took a group of young midfielders to work on their stoppage craft.

Fourth-round draft pick Patrick Said, who played mostly as a small forward in 10 VFL games this year, was a standout with his agility and clean hands during the contested drills.

Irish recruit Eamonn Armstrong also caught the eye with his 194cm frame and leg speed as he prepares for his first taste of senior football next season.

The 19-year-old joined the club midway through 2025 after finishing high school.

Fellow Irishman Liam O’Connell stood out with some nicely weighted kicks to Caminiti, Owens and Cooper Sharman during a forward entries drill, while Max Hall also kept his leading forwards happy.

Darcy Wilson in action at St Kilda’s opening day of pre-season. Picture: St Kilda FC
Darcy Wilson in action at St Kilda’s opening day of pre-season. Picture: St Kilda FC
A FEW KEELERS HEAVIER

Another young tall, Isaac Keeler, has returned to training boasting a considerably bulkier build – to the extent that he wasn’t able to wear his 2025 training top on Wednesday.

Keeler duelled extensively with ruckman Alex Dodson in marking contests after Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera pumped up his great friend, who earnt a one-year contract extension to remain a Saint in 2026.

“A fair few boys have come back in great nick. A few boys have put on some size. I’m sure the Darcy Wilson photo has gone viral … Isaac (Keeler) has put on a fair bit,” Wanganeen-Milera said.

“I’m super excited for what they can bring. We’ve got a few young boys who have put on some weight and are great runners (who are) pretty hungry to get out there and play some footy.”

WHICH SENIOR SAINTS ARE TRAINING?

King was not the only experienced Saint to return to training early – Gold Coast recruit Sam Flanders and goal sneak Jack Higgins were on the oval moving through their own running programs, while veteran wingman Mason Wood mingled with the main group.

Wood paired up with Wanganeen-Milera for stoppage work and was a full participant in training – until the group was sent on an interval running workout, at which point he decided it might be a good time to practice some goalkicking.

Prized off-season recruits Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni and Liam Ryan were not sighted as the Saints with more than five years’ experience prepare to return by November 24

I love this time of year. So much movement in the pants.

 

[sasaint]

Bits on Allan. Seems like a good bloke and communicator.

The SANFL mafia strikes again at the Saints.

“James Robert "Jimmy" Allan(born 17 January 1985) is an Australian rules football player who played for North Adelaideand the Norwood in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL). Allan is a three-time winner of the league's highest individual honour, the Magarey Medal(2007, 2010 and 2011).”

Also
“On 10 November 2023, Allan was named senior coach of Werribee, returning to the VFL club after 17 years in South Australia.[11] In his inaugural season at the helm, he led the Tigers to the 2024 premiership—their second ever, breaking a 31-year flag drought.”

I like the sound of breaking a flag drought!

 

[PostmanBish]

Like Windy, what stands out about Garcia is his workrate and attitude. He is just flatout at all times.

Even the little things like when he comes onto the ground where he does not just walk or run on, he sprints to position.

Whatever Garcia's ability level is, you just know that he is will extract 100% of it.

I like the way he gets oppo players to forget about playing football … he’s got the annoyance factor which gets them right out of a composed headspace.

 

[Remboy]

Sammy Flanders clearly reads the important training reports and sorted out his wardrobe for session number two.

He still needs to get rid of those sideburns though.

 

[PostmanBish]

Dont like this.
Actually think the whole thing is ridiculous, but this counting as a finals win when its an extra game to get into the finals series is dumb.

Feels like a softener for the Bumblers, really … best chance they’ll have had for a finals win in ages …

 

[SainterinSydney]

I think Hammer, Liam Henry, Dow and O'Connell could have some left field impact in 2026. In particular, we forget how good Liam Henry was at full flight before his injury. We could be seriously scary next year.

 

[sammm]

The club has done an amazing job to create hype and momentum. It's now getting the rewards that it deserves for a huge amount of work done in nearly every aspect of the club. Almost proud of them. At least until they disappoint me again anyway.

Basset and Lyon have been huge over the last few years and have planned and executed it really well. Being a disruptor is exactly what smaller clubs need to frame themselves as.

Dilena as CEO has also been good.

 

[luca77]

If you finish 7th you have made finals. And if you can't take care of 10th at your home ground what chance did you have of doing any damage against the good teams anyway?

You might lose a player to concussion protocols the previous week, the one star from the 10th team might have a blinder, the umps might smash you. Anyone can beat anyone on their day. Losing to 10th once doesn't mean you logically couldn't have put up a fight against a higher team on another day.

Meanwhile 1st to 6th have their feet up having a nice rest without having to defend their finals spot in a one off match against a team that failed to make the 8.

It stinks.

 

[Diehard Saint]

The club has done an amazing job to create hype and momentum. It's now getting the rewards that it deserves for a huge amount of work done in nearly every aspect of the club. Almost proud of them. At least until they disappoint me again anyway.

Basset and Lyon have been huge over the last few years and have planned and executed it really well. Being a disruptor is exactly what smaller clubs need to frame themselves as.

Hedging your bets before the seasons even started….

 

[Diehard Saint]

Dilena saying they want that opening round slot every year as our marquee game.

Only game in Melbourne.

Better not stuff up then….
We haven’t exactly got a great record in marquee games. It’s a good time to start changing that. It’s a winnable game. As is Port, even in Adelaide.

 

[Diehard Saint]

The article on Gavin Wanganeen coming to Melbourne included:

In recent years, he’s gone on to become a respected Indigenous artist and emerging entrepreneur, starting his own coffee pod company, JooJu, in 2022.
They will reunite with Wanganeen’s older children from a previous relationship, Tex, 22, and Mia, 25, who have been based in Melbourne for four years.
“We’ve often pondered what it would be like to go over there and for the girls to see more of their older brother and sister,” he told The Advertiser.
“It’ll be sad to see the house go. My wife often said it was going to be our forever house but family is pretty important as well,” said the 52-year-old, who will also pursue business interests in his new state.
But he’s adamant he’s not planning to launch a media career in Melbourne – and this move is all about bringing his family together.
“It’s an opportunity to spend a bit more time with them (Mia and Tex). We haven’t seen a lot of them over the last four years,” he said.

Nothing on him coaching. And he has never coached a professional or semi-professional team. He was on the Port Adelaide Board for 5 years. Most Clubs have an ex-player or two on their Boards.

The odds of a 52 year old, who has not coached much more than a School Football Team, suddenly becoming an AFL Assistant Coach would have to be tiny. Especially at the Saints at present who seem to be way more professional than we have been for a long, long time.

Coaching or not, Nas’ family are coming to Melbourne.
Which can only be a good thing for him, and by extension, us.

 

[Desperate saint]

It was the year Essendon squealed like stuck pigs about st Kilda being animals etc after they lost at Moorabbin.

The smashing we received in the press seemed to rattle the club badly. By the time we found our feet again the season was over.

Strange but true from that game Allan Davis former saints champ played for the bombers. Ken Fletcher father of Dustin played, Rex Hunt played for the saints and Jack Mihocek father of Brody played.

We should have played finals that year, interestingly we had big man power, Ditterich, Sidebottom, Sarau.

was at AG college in Geelong that year and went to every game started and finished well and hopeless in the middle of the season

 

[Ads734]

LOC’s improvement has far exceeded any other Irish guy we have ever drafted and he’s versatile. I love the move of him on ball.

I think Hammer, Liam Henry, Dow and O'Connell could have some left field impact in 2026. In particular, we forget how good Liam Henry was at full flight before his injury. We could be seriously scary next year.

 

[stfan]

Coaching or not, Nas’ family are coming to Melbourne.
Which can only be a good thing for him, and by extension, us.

Yes I said that many posts ago. Plus not just Nas, but Tex by all reports will be at least trialling with us for a list spot too.

It was just the posts speculating that he could be our backline coach I disagreed with.

 

[Mavefromdelburn]

Camma forward.

Tauru back.

Apparently

Hope Tauru goes forward, if not next season, then eventually. Reckon he would be unreal for us up there. Maybe doing a Gehrig-style apprenticeship.

 

[SaintsSeptember]

I think Hammer, Liam Henry, Dow and O'Connell could have some left field impact in 2026. In particular, we forget how good Liam Henry was at full flight before his injury. We could be seriously scary next year.

I don't feel that Henry ever lived up to his potential, except for short occasions. Hope he can get it together.