Training Saints preseason 2026

[Veer Right]

I like Liam Ryan. Good player.

Just not a fan of the price paid. 2nd rounder in an uncompromised 2026 draft for a 28 year old... It's something that a team in the top 4 can do. The returned 2027 4th rounder draft is worth little given the compromised nature due to Tassie.

We only have him because of NWM and we all know it. Second rounder for a very average, now 29 year old is putrid AF. Now we have to hope the training staff can turn this situation into something worthwhile. Unlikely to be any worse then Collard and Butler so that's something.

 

[BrutThough]

There's no shock for Ryan, he's just a shit trainer when footballs aren't involved.

He'll comfortably be better than your other options for his position come game day. Not because they're bad per se, he's just a different cat when the real stuff comes around.

Not to be pedantic but he will be our 2nd best small forward. Which is great because many clubs would love to have someone like him as their number one.

 

[Joffaboy]

How did Cordy & Shoenmaker work out for the club?

Rowan and Keeler tend to trail off the running, suppose we should delist them as well.
Dont get too hung up on pre season running. Ryan always looked a bit tubby in a WCE shirt, he seems like he has slimmed down with no telltale tummy, however he is in training tops not the jersey.
Running laps he completed everything required. He just isn't Wilson or Hill.
A WCE fan said he runs out games. Been olenty of sketchy trainers over the years. Swan mentioned, Gary Ablett Snr was renown for his lack of application, even our own Plugger was never one for training and running.
The bed wetting over Ryan is hilarious. As if the LM didn't know his limitations. Maybe they got him for a reason.

 

[Sully111]

We only have him because of NWM and we all know it. Second rounder for a very average, now 29 year old is putrid AF. Now we have to hope the training staff can turn this situation into something worthwhile. Unlikely to be any worse then Collard and Butler so that's something.

Care to elborate?

Are you saying we were able to coax him over because he wanted to play with Nas, or are you saying we got him because Nas wanted us to?

If I supposedly know something... I'd like to know what I know... yanno?

 

[DougalHoward]

We only have him because of NWM and we all know it. Second rounder for a very average, now 29 year old is putrid AF. Now we have to hope the training staff can turn this situation into something worthwhile. Unlikely to be any worse then Collard and Butler so that's something.

Lol what does ryan have to do with Nas

 

[seasonedsainter]

His best trait is turning horrible entries into shots on goal. He's not waiting for blue chip delivery, he scraps it or marks some ugly scrubbed kick against the flow.

Hope so. We’ve been known to serve up a weekly buffet!

 

[Sully111]

Lol what does ryan have to do with Nas

'tis a mystery

 

[seasonedsainter]

Lol what does ryan have to do with Nas

Hey I thought you knew it.

 

[BrutThough]

Care to elborate?

Are you saying we were able to coax him over because he wanted to play with Nas, or are you saying we got him because Nas wanted us to?

If I supposedly know something... I'd like to know what I know... yanno?

Before Nas signed, it was reported Ryan was looking at us or Port and where Nas ended up would impact his decision on which club he chose.

 

[Joffaboy]

If you want a smokey debutant, keep an eye on young Eammon Armstrong.
His progress in such a short period of time is amazing, seemingly improving every training session.
Rumor has it Cody McDonald is a tremendous prospect but won't be here until July.
Don't mind the look of Oscar Ainsworth either, an SSP prospect.

Is Ainsworth no.41?

 

[Dr Spaceman]

Jurgen Klopp turned doubters to believers at Liverpool and Ross Lyon is having the same effect at St Kilda. Both very soulful club leaders, although Ross would laugh at that description!

Belief based on nothing just consolidates doubt in the long term, but belief supported by facts and reality is powerful and transformative.

2023 was huge for that and I think 2026 will be as huge.

All in!

Ross following Jurgen’s lead

 

[saintmike65]

Is Ainsworth no.41?

Yes he is

 

[g_TRAIN]

This is consistent with past reports re Ryan's fitness, its an ominous warning sign IMO. I wonder if WCE knew something about Liam's off field application we didn't?

Mate, chill. You’re making huge calls about him and he’s barely been here five minutes.

Again, you’re inventing a whole story in your head and repeating it like it’s proven fact, when there’s barely any real evidence for it, just a few Bigfooty pundits with an opinion.

I can speculate with equal merit that maybe he’s just not built to be an endurance athlete. Plenty of explosive, fast-twitch guys aren’t naturally suited to endurance running.

 

[SaintsofSteel]

Jeez mate maybe let him play a game before going after him. The bloke is an All Australian and had a massive hand in winning them the flag in 2018, took that huge mark on the wing that opened the game up for the winning goal. Came through a really tough path to make it via WAFL reserves and then WAFL for Subi as an over after.

He's on I'm guessing a three year deal so his journey at our club is only just beginning.

Not every player is a freak trainer. Think of a guy like Stuart Dew who also won his club a flag.

The club has clearly picked him up with a vision for what he can do both on and off the field.

What people have to understand is that traditional desert indigenous people are very different to urban and eastern state clans.

Liam grew up in the central desert area of WA - Mount Magnet and Mullewa before later moving to Geraldton. He lists himself as a Yamtji / Badimia man whose clans both speak a different language. There is no doubt indigenous people feel a strong kinship, but for traditional lads that only goes so far.

You can see English is not his first language and I would bet none of the other indigenous lads at the club speak his traditional language. Urban or eastern state indigenous lads are very different from central desert people, their cultural and family considerations are poles apart. The club have indigenous liason staff at the club, but the issues faced by the central deserts people will be very different to anyone they have dealt with.

I can see people forming the view he coped in Perth so he will naturally do the same in Melbourne. Perth is 4 1/2 hours south of Geralton and there would be people of his origin about the city, not so in Melbourne. I want to see him suceed, but I have seen so many desert indigenous lads struggle to cope away from family.

I question given our young and developing list, if he is the right player to target for the afore mentioned reasons. Its not like he is a 21yo developing kid who the club think they can mould and help improve. I get the impression there are not many WCE supporters that were sorry to see him leave....surely we have to question why?

The club have pulled all the right strings with their other recruitments, but Im concerned Ryan will be create more issues than he solves. Lyon and the club might believe they can work with him, but I will be surprised if he ever plays out a season let alone his contract term. Time will tell but hopefully the club have some robust clauses in his contract.

Anyway enough on Liam, the club have made their decision lets hope they can make it work?

 

[g_TRAIN]

What people have to understand is that traditional desert indigenous people are very different to urban and eastern state clans.

Liam grew up in the central desert area of WA - Mount Magnet and Mullewa before later moving to Geraldton. He lists himself as a Yamtji / Badimia man whose clans both speak a different language. There is no doubt indigenous people feel a strong kinship, but for traditional lads that only goes so far.

You can see English is not his first language and I would bet none of the other indigenous lads at the club speak his traditional language. Urban or eastern state indigenous lads are very different from central desert people, their cultural and family considerations are poles apart. The club have indigenous liason staff at the club, but the issues faced by the central deserts people will be very different to anyone they have dealt with.

I can see people forming the view he coped in Perth so he will naturally do the same in Melbourne. Perth is 4 1/2 hours south of Geralton and there would be people of his origin about the city, not so in Melbourne. I want to see him suceed, but I have seen so many desert indigenous lads struggle to cope away from family.

I question given our young and developing list, if he is the right player to target for the afore mentioned reasons. Its not like he is a 21yo developing kid who the club think they can mould and help improve. I get the impression there are not many WCE supporters that were sorry to see him leave....surely we have to question why that may be?

The club have pulled all the right strings with their other recruitments, but Im concerned Ryan will be create more issues than he solves. Lyon and the club might believe they can work with him, but I will be surprised if he ever plays out a season let alone his contract term. Time will tell but hopefully the club have some robust clauses in his contract.

Anyway enough on Liam, the club have made their decision lets hope they can make it work?

Give him a chance mate. That's all I ask.

 

[seasonedsainter]

Personally I prefer the Stuart Dew

Stuart Dew

Age

46

Ht

183cm

Wt

99kg

Pos.

M/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

13.1

3star

K

9.1

4star

HB

4.0

3star

M

2.9

3star

T

1.7

4star

No current season stats available

D

12.2

3star

K

9.0

4star

HB

3.2

3star

M

2.8

3star

T

1.8

4star

comparison.

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

Joffaboy

You have seen way more of the guys training than I have.

So, do you think that 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

is a cancer eating away at the culture of the Club?

On the other hand, do you agree that the real story from yesterday (that has been missed) is that Liam Henry is running injury free and unimpeded?

 

[Diehard Saint]

Rowan and Keeler tend to trail off the running, suppose we should delist them as well.
Dont get too hung up on pre season running. Ryan always looked a bit tubby in a WCE shirt, he seems like he has slimmed down with no telltale tummy, however he is in training tops not the jersey.
Running laps he completed everything required. He just isn't Wilson or Hill.
A WCE fan said he runs out games. Been olenty of sketchy trainers over the years. Swan mentioned, Gary Ablett Snr was renown for his lack of application, even our own Plugger was never one for training and running.
The bed wetting over Ryan is hilarious. As if the LM didn't know his limitations. Maybe they got him for a reason.

Lucky we have vertical stripes - very flattering, he’s going to look really good in those, especially the candy stripes

 

[John2010362340]

Nas finished 30th in the time trial. Give me a guy that can win games then an a elite runner everyday.

 

[Dard Ball Get]

What people have to understand is that traditional desert indigenous people are very different to urban and eastern state clans.

Liam grew up in the central desert area of WA - Mount Magnet and Mullewa before later moving to Geraldton. He lists himself as a Yamtji / Badimia man whose clans both speak a different language. There is no doubt indigenous people feel a strong kinship, but for traditional lads that only goes so far.

You can see English is not his first language and I would bet none of the other indigenous lads at the club speak his traditional language. Urban or eastern state indigenous lads are very different from central desert people, their cultural and family considerations are poles apart. The club have indigenous liason staff at the club, but the issues faced by the central deserts people will be very different to anyone they have dealt with.

I can see people forming the view he coped in Perth so he will naturally do the same in Melbourne. Perth is 4 1/2 hours south of Geralton and there would be people of his origin about the city, not so in Melbourne. I want to see him suceed, but I have seen so many desert indigenous lads struggle to cope away from family.

I question given our young and developing list, if he is the right player to target for the afore mentioned reasons. Its not like he is a 21yo developing kid who the club think they can mould and help improve. I get the impression there are not many WCE supporters that were sorry to see him leave....surely we have to question why?

The club have pulled all the right strings with their other recruitments, but Im concerned Ryan will be create more issues than he solves. Lyon and the club might believe they can work with him, but I will be surprised if he ever plays out a season let alone his contract term. Time will tell but hopefully the club have some robust clauses in his contract.

Anyway enough on Liam, the club have made their decision lets hope they can make it work?

 

[Joffaboy]

Joffaboy

You have seen way more of the guys training than I have.

So, do you think that Liam Ryan is a cancer eating away at the culture of the Club?

On the other hand, do you agree that the real story from yesterday (that has been missed) is that Liam Henry is running injury free and unimpeded?

Absolutely he is a cancer, Jake Stringer, JUH and May wrapped up all in one. If we dont win a flag it will be directly his fault with his culture destroying interviews and not running to the exacting standards of keyboard warriors.
You heard it here first.
Now for some facts. Ryan is doing everything asked of him. His running is no worse than Lance re endurance. He is very encouraging especially to the young indigenous players.
Really the bs being spread is horseshit. Ryan had been around for a decade.To think the LM are suddenly shocked he is not running like Brad Hill is laughable in the extreme.

On the Henry note, very relieved. Looked very uncomfortable on Wednesday, but obviously I read too much into it thankfully.

 

[Sully111]

Before Nas signed, it was reported Ryan was looking at us or Port and where Nas ended up would impact his decision on which club he chose.

yep

I'd still like him to clarify

 

[Sully111]

What people have to understand is that traditional desert indigenous people are very different to urban and eastern state clans.

Liam grew up in the central desert area of WA - Mount Magnet and Mullewa before later moving to Geraldton. He lists himself as a Yamtji / Badimia man whose clans both speak a different language. There is no doubt indigenous people feel a strong kinship, but for traditional lads that only goes so far.

You can see English is not his first language and I would bet none of the other indigenous lads at the club speak his traditional language. Urban or eastern state indigenous lads are very different from central desert people, their cultural and family considerations are poles apart. The club have indigenous liason staff at the club, but the issues faced by the central deserts people will be very different to anyone they have dealt with.

I can see people forming the view he coped in Perth so he will naturally do the same in Melbourne. Perth is 4 1/2 hours south of Geralton and there would be people of his origin about the city, not so in Melbourne. I want to see him suceed, but I have seen so many desert indigenous lads struggle to cope away from family.

I question given our young and developing list, if he is the right player to target for the afore mentioned reasons. Its not like he is a 21yo developing kid who the club think they can mould and help improve. I get the impression there are not many WCE supporters that were sorry to see him leave....surely we have to question why?

The club have pulled all the right strings with their other recruitments, but Im concerned Ryan will be create more issues than he solves. Lyon and the club might believe they can work with him, but I will be surprised if he ever plays out a season let alone his contract term. Time will tell but hopefully the club have some robust clauses in his contract.

Anyway enough on Liam, the club have made their decision lets hope they can make it work?

F*cking hell mate you're obsessed.

 

[Dard Ball Get]

yep

I'd still like him to clarify

He won’t. Never does.

 

[Imtellingya]

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Don’t forget the positive influence of Hilly who apparently was the one who influenced Ryan to come across to us. Hilly is from WA and whilst he might not be from same tribe as Ryan he would understand the nuances of his culture etc.