Training Saints preseason 2026

[Dard Ball Get]

Loved this post, if only to expand my knowledge.

I have not mentioned this previously, but Brad Hill was standing next to me at the Friday morning session, one week ago.
Apart from babysitting his daughter, when he was focused on the session, he was talking (to himself I think, because no one else was within hearing distance) using a language that I had never heard before but I assumed was Aboriginal in origin.

Would you know what language he was using?

PS: I assumed he was talking to himself about the football. He might have been calling me a fat, unfit, white boy Presbyterian for all I know.

And been correct.

Hilly is a Noongar, so it would’ve been a variation of Noongar.
I say variation because Noongars are one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Aus, roughly spread from Geraldton in the North (not far from the infamous Mullewa!) to Esperance in the South of WA


Noongar has some of my favourite slang words, like wadjela for white fella, dardy for “cool”, yorga for woman, deadly and unna for awesome and yes/true

 

[gringo2011]

What has Fazza been up to all this time and why has he just popped up out of
The blue?

He had some health food business. Not sure if it's still going.

 

[gringo2011]

Delisted Saints defender joins SANFL club

The 2023 draftee played seven games for St Kilda.

www.zerohanger.com

Hope he gets another go. Has talent and skill.

 

[akaifu]

What has Fazza been up to all this time and why has he just popped up out of
The blue?

https://www.linkedin.com/in/farren-ray-97090764/?originalSubdomain=au

 

[littlecreatures]

Loved this post, if only to expand my knowledge.

I have not mentioned this previously, but Brad Hill was standing next to me at the Friday morning session, one week ago.
Apart from babysitting his daughter, when he was focused on the session, he was talking (to himself I think, because no one else was within hearing distance) using a language that I had never heard before but I assumed was Aboriginal in origin.

Would you know what language he was using?

PS: I assumed he was talking to himself about the football. He might have been calling me a fat, unfit, white boy Presbyterian for all I know.

And been correct.

Do you recall some of the words?

 

[Ads734]

This is a quote from someone I know from a few days ago:

"Bit of random but inside knowledge, I work as groundskeeper some times and on Sunday I was there and Farren Ray was there (i had no idea he was joining saints vfl) he came down just to see few regular faces and mates he's got there and overheard them talking about Darcy Wilsons photo which him and the other 2 blokes were impressed by, I casually asked if any other players were looking good for round 1 or pre season and one of the other blokes suggested King which Farren was kinda like yeah but he's still rehabbing, I asked if Isaac Keeler was looking good and he seemed to agree but as the others threw up names he immediately focused in on Eamon Armstrong saying he's looking like an early round 1 starter off half back because of his intense speed and physicality which Ray said impressed all the coaches especially Enright so definitely a watch based on him for R1 and supercoach teams, obviously a lot can change but interesting non the less and thought y'all be interested"

TLDR: Ray thinks Armstrong is a good chance to replace Nas at HB and Enright really likes him

Not sure if this a troll but there’s is less then 0% chance Armstrong plays rd 1. I think he’s played 4 vfl games maybe and looked borderline vafa at best. Not saying he won’t make it but let’s not take the piss right now.

 

[Diehard Saint]

Ryan plays a small forward role--don't expect Darcy Wilson level running, as it isn't required. The guy has consistently played well in a team which has been in the doldrums for years and has shown he can play very well on the biggest stage. We also have high standards with running compared to other clubs, so will likely take some time for him to adjust.

I just think there are some armchair generals on this forum that are jumping to conclusions on him. I predict he will be electrifying for us. Patience!

I’ll take the attention off Ryan.

It’s 3 months till the season starts…is it too soon to be panicking that NAS hasn’t re-signed?

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

Hilly is a Noongar, so it would’ve been a variation of Noongar.
I say variation because Noongars are one of the largest Aboriginal groups in Aus, roughly spread from Geraldton in the North (not far from the infamous Mullewa!) to Esperance in the South of WA


Noongar has some of my favourite slang words, like wadjela for white fella, dardy for “cool”, yorga for woman, deadly and unna for awesome and yes/true

Dard = unna dardy wadjela?

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

Do you recall some of the words?

Something like: unna dardy wadjela



In a word: no.

 

[Remboy]

I’ll take the attention off Ryan.

It’s 3 months till the season starts…is it too soon to be panicking that NAS hasn’t re-signed?

Gorn.

 

[littlecreatures]

Something like: unna dardy wadjela



In a word: no.

He was speaking to you mate!

 

[OxSaint]

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?

Here’s a thought. A preseason with our group might actually produce the best version of Liam we have seen in years. Second round picks are hardly high value.

 

[austinnn]

Are you saying Liam Ryan is the Messi of the AFL?

Because I'm pretty sure Grian Myers holds that title.

If he still had those nasty dreads, I would say that Ryan is Messi, while Myres just looks l messy, but he looks - and plays - a lot smarter these days!

 

[austinnn]

Sarcasm is the go to isnt it - the simplest form of wit.

If you are going to make hyperbolic comments at least do me the respect of responding to what I have stated, rather than what other fools have said on here. I have never said he was or will be a 'cancer' but I have shown concern over his history of a lack of work ethic and the affect it will have on the younger group.

People have different backgrounds - yours is being a bean counter living out of Melbourne with the occasional business jaunt around the place. Others have actually lived and worked in these remote communities and have an understanding of the indigineous communites and their people.

Perhaps living in the world of finance creates that grandiose attitude, and allows you to hold others in judgement with your illusory surperiority. But you dont need to consistently show it on here, there is no bigger keyboard warrior on this forum than yourself.

Oh boy, you picked on the wrong bean counter. Joffa has shared something of his history in the past and he knows quite a bit about remote indigenous communities iirc.

But i'm sure none hold a candle to your vast knowledge and experience - how many men have you managed? You never got back to me on that one. Im guessing: none.

 

[austinnn]

That's a bit personal

Shhhhhh

 

[sammm]

Statement also mentions a net loss of $137,000. Which is it lol?

There is a difference between Operating Profit and Net Profit

 

[sammm]

Just don't get wound up about it, is all. He runs out games, he's just a shit house trainer when it comes to fitness sessions.

I dont think the coaches will like that.

 

[stfan]

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.

Kobe is not a rumour.

The club stated when he was signed that he like Eamonn before him, will complete school before he then joins us late in the season

 

[sammm]

On the other hand, Liam Henry was striding out well today.
Chasing Pou on multiple laps.
Pou was motoring.
Henry was right behind him.
Zero evidence of any issues with his knee.

I think you’d be better focusing on what is going well, rather than be fearful about something that may never eventuate.

My reading on Ryan is simple: he’s had the same shock to the system that Cordy and Schoenmaker enjoyed before him.

He will survive, as they did.

What about Collard?

 

[littlecreatures]

This looks like a quality father son. When does west coast choose not to match?

https://www.instagram.com/stories/l...ig_story_item_share&igsh=MWllZHozZWZvaGRkYw==

 

[SaintsofSteel]

Oh boy, you picked on the wrong bean counter. Joffa has shared something of his history in the past and he knows quite a bit about remote indigenous communities iirc.

But i'm sure none hold a candle to your vast knowledge and experience - how many men have you manged? You never got back to me on that one. Im guessing: none.

I was a playing A grade coach at a number of clubs in my earlier years and then President of a local club in more recent times. Every club run senior & reserves plus under age junior sides.

You need to stick to watching Soccer if you think Messi is the equivalence of Ryan. AFL is a team game not based around a goal scoring super star. You might recall how many flags Lockett & Garry Ablett won?

Joffa is full of sh*t, he has done probably nothing more than a few audits on communities organisations. I used to love how people would visit the comminity for a few days then all of a sudden become an expert on how funding or assistance should proceed.

I lived and worked in remote central Australian communities for 15 years up until several years ago. I actually worked not that far from where Ryan hails from, so I think I have some idea of what I've raised.

 

[ESPN8 The Ocho]

What about Collard?

Joffaboy and some of the other track watchers would be better at answering your question given they’ve watched them much more than me.

But….

From the little I’ve seen:

He’s grown into his body shape.
Still light, always will be.
I have no problem with that, neither did Cyril Rioli.
He’s quick, agile, and stronger.
That increased strength will help him a lot.
But Arnold Schwartzanegger, he’s not and never will be.

It’s up to him now.

 

[austinnn]

I was a playing A grade coach at a number of clubs in my earlier years and then President of a local club in more recent times. Every club run senior & reserves plus under age junior sides.

You need to stick to watching Soccer if you think Messi is the equivalence of Ryan. AFL is a team game not based around a goal scoring super star. You might recall how many flags Lockett & Garry Ablett won?

Joffa is full of sh*t, he has done probably nothing more than a few audits on communities organisations. I used to love how people would visit the comminity for a few days then all of a sudden become an expert on how funding or assistance should proceed.

I lived and worked in remote central Australian communities for 15 years up until several years ago. I actually worked not that far from where Ryan hails from, so I think I have some idea of what I've raised.

Listen, you do come off as an utter flog, but I do absolutely respect the insight you've given us into indigenous or Aboriginal players and specifically from the more remote desert communities, I'm not dismissing that all.

However, the bottom line is Ryan is a very experienced and professional AFL player. He's played a number of seasons at the Eagles, and they didn't see fit to turn him into a running machine, even back in their premiership era. He's also been living in Perth for nearly 10 years and I'm guessing has been fine soeaking English etc all that time. He's also not going to Melbourne as a prisoner, and has probably had a lot of experience visiting Victoria professionally, maybe even beyond that. So to imagine that somehow he's going to turn up to Victoria and not realise just how much he misses his community and adapts very slowly is a tiny bit unrealistic. We're not talking about a draftee here. He's got an agent and plenty of friends who have their own experiences in Melbourne and would be able to have to go in with eyes wide open.

As far as the laughable idea that I somehow think this is the same as soccer, because I referenced Messi, let me reassure you: even if I've never played the game or coached a team, I do have some understanding of Aussie rules. I wouldn't be on this forum chatting with big brains like yourself if I didn't. And so once again, I say that players are all different and what's good for Liam Ryan not might not be good for Marcus Windhager or Darcy Wilson. You'll have to excuse me if I assume that whatever experience you have is many leagues different from the AFL in 2025, and you didn't have many tens of thousands of paying customers who went to see whatever fat amateur player you managed way back when jump on oppo heads to mark the ball every game. Anyway, once again bottom line: we'll both see once the season has started. If he crashes and burns, I'll bow down to you and apologise then.

I don't expect that Ross minds if Liam isn't getting PB's on the training track so long as he is playing his role and scoring two or three goals every game, staying a positive and supportive force at the club (he has already started by all accounts) and mentoring young Lance. God knows we could have done with that last year!

 

[seasonedsainter]

Wow there’s a lot of chest puffing & argy bargy in here… maybe we need a thread for all the alpha roosters to un-sheath their inner c0cks & battle to the death…

 

[MOLTEN GANGLANDS]

well i've been shitposting from the kimberly for the past 37 years and I can confidently say flyin ryan will.. lost my train of thought go saints