Training Saints preseason 2026

[Diehard Saint]

Walked out of Wed training with the thought that Howard is a lock for the team. Long long way before we play the pies but he's moving very well...from a "one session" snapshot though lol

If Doogs is fit he’s always going to be a lock.
We’ve really missed him.

 

[spiral3]

got down to training today, a few observations

- Banfield is a new fave, he's a big lad, looked very similar in height to Barrat.
His defensive work is fantastic, 100% effort, repeat efforts, may burn himself out this year with trying too hard
Could see him getting games this year, physically looks ready (running?). Kicking needs work from small sample size

- Armstrong - reminds me of Goddard in the way he moves. His kicking is neat, seems pretty dependable with short kicking, higher pressure prob a challenge at this point but like the look of him

- Higgins - just super effective in the game sim stuff, makes a quick smart decision and hits the target

- Nas - freak show. kicking is great to watch, ball cuts through the air and can slice his kicks on kooky angles, must be hard for defenders to predict. Reckon we could see some great chemistry with him and Flyin', could be some exceptional plays with their combined skill and creativity

- Flyin' Ryan - looks pretty happy to me, smart player, nice kick, looked for Ro in the match sim stuff

- Wilkie - so Wilkie it hurt - Mr Dependable, super pro

- Carrol - stood out a bit, having a real crack. defensive work a highlight, made life hard for oppo

- Wilson - cruising around being an absolute specimen

- Pou - good, quick

- Garcia - see Pou

- Sinclair - wasn't just doing laps

- Cooper - very good

- Tobie - lots of voice, seems comfortable in the group, didn't watch closely

- Hastie - like him but misses targets too much for his position, gotta sharpen up his kicking

- King - moving way better than a couple of weeks ago, short kicking, short runs, some agility stuff. He's not skinny, big strong looking unit

- Ross - what are we paying him for - snoozing around having chats - vibe guy

No Hill, Mitch not in main group - chatted with staff & pool, Henry running laps as were Box, Lobster, Dodson (legs like tree trunks)
Rehab group of King, TDK, Stocker (gloved - hand injury?), Clark & other?

 

[Imtellingya]

got down to training today, a few observations

- Banfield is a new fave, he's a big lad, looked very similar in height to Barrat.
His defensive work is fantastic, 100% effort, repeat efforts, may burn himself out this year with trying too hard
Could see him getting games this year, physically looks ready (running?). Kicking needs work from small sample size

- Armstrong - reminds me of Goddard in the way he moves. His kicking is neat, seems pretty dependable with short kicking, higher pressure prob a challenge at this point but like the look of him

- Higgins - just super effective in the game sim stuff, makes a quick smart decision and hits the target

- Nas - freak show. kicking is great to watch, ball cuts through the air and can slice his kicks on kooky angles, must be hard for defenders to predict. Reckon we could see some great chemistry with him and Flyin', could be some exceptional plays with their combined skill and creativity

- Flyin' Ryan - looks pretty happy to me, smart player, nice kick, looked for Ro in the match sim stuff

- Wilkie - so Wilkie it hurt - Mr Dependable, super pro

- Carrol - stood out a bit, having a real crack. defensive work a highlight, made life hard for oppo

- Wilson - cruising around being an absolute specimen

- Pou - good, quick

- Garcia - see Pou

- Sinclair - wasn't just doing laps

- Cooper - very good

- Tobie - lots of voice, seems comfortable in the group, didn't watch closely

- Hastie - like him but misses targets too much for his position, gotta sharpen up his kicking

- King - moving way better than a couple of weeks ago, short kicking, short runs, some agility stuff. He's not skinny, big strong looking unit

- Ross - what are we paying him for - snoozing around having chats - vibe guy

No Hill, Mitch not in main group - chatted with staff & pool, Henry running laps as were Box, Lobster, Dodson (legs like tree trunks)
Rehab group of King, TDK, Stocker (gloved - hand injury?), Clark & other?

Mitch talking with S&C staff from beginning of the session, ran laps then pool

 

[BrutThough]

Also went down today and biggest takeaway is Nas is really really good. We have other good players but he is just next level.

 

[FQFjt]

Is that the first sighting of Macrae?

JSOS still absent?

 

[saintkildaman]

If Doogs is fit he’s always going to be a lock.
We’ve really missed him.

100%. Many on here seem to judge Doogs output by his work ball in hand which I find hilarious. Sure, he has had plenty of wtf moments and needs to play within his limitations but structurally he is very important. One of the best spoilers in the comp and defensive positioning is pretty good. Very confident you add a fit Howard and Silvagni to complement Wilkie, we will have a strong backline similar if not better than 2023.

 

[The Boar]

Sincs and Higgins are both A-graders. Hall should be B-grade. JSOS when fit is B-grade or arguably A-grade (which is how highly Gubby & Ross rate him). Flanders exclusion is probably understandable but he is at least B grade when playing full time mid

Agree and I think Hall and Flanders go to an undeniable A-Grade level in 2026. JSOS will always be a solid solid B, which we need many of!

 

[stavro#4]

 

[BrutThough]

I was impressed with O'Connell today, playing a wing/half back role. He's making good decisions with the ball and his kicking is pretty good. I could see him in the best 22 early in the season.

 

[The Boar]

Get Hibbins-Hargraves down there

 

[Train12]

I was impressed with O'Connell today, playing a wing/half back role. He's making good decisions with the ball and his kicking is pretty good. I could see him in the best 22 early in the season.

Anything else to report mate ?

 

[akaifu]

got down to training today, a few observations

- Banfield is a new fave, he's a big lad, looked very similar in height to Barrat.
His defensive work is fantastic, 100% effort, repeat efforts, may burn himself out this year with trying too hard
Could see him getting games this year, physically looks ready (running?). Kicking needs work from small sample size

- Armstrong - reminds me of Goddard in the way he moves. His kicking is neat, seems pretty dependable with short kicking, higher pressure prob a challenge at this point but like the look of him

- Higgins - just super effective in the game sim stuff, makes a quick smart decision and hits the target

- Nas - freak show. kicking is great to watch, ball cuts through the air and can slice his kicks on kooky angles, must be hard for defenders to predict. Reckon we could see some great chemistry with him and Flyin', could be some exceptional plays with their combined skill and creativity

- Flyin' Ryan - looks pretty happy to me, smart player, nice kick, looked for Ro in the match sim stuff

- Wilkie - so Wilkie it hurt - Mr Dependable, super pro

- Carrol - stood out a bit, having a real crack. defensive work a highlight, made life hard for oppo

- Wilson - cruising around being an absolute specimen

- Pou - good, quick

- Garcia - see Pou

- Sinclair - wasn't just doing laps

- Cooper - very good

- Tobie - lots of voice, seems comfortable in the group, didn't watch closely

- Hastie - like him but misses targets too much for his position, gotta sharpen up his kicking

- King - moving way better than a couple of weeks ago, short kicking, short runs, some agility stuff. He's not skinny, big strong looking unit

- Ross - what are we paying him for - snoozing around having chats - vibe guy

No Hill, Mitch not in main group - chatted with staff & pool, Henry running laps as were Box, Lobster, Dodson (legs like tree trunks)
Rehab group of King, TDK, Stocker (gloved - hand injury?), Clark & other?

Gee if Carroll's defensive work is up to scratch then he's a serious early contender for that half back spot. Always been a huge x factor player but with discipline he instantly elevates himself

Conversely, feels like every time I read about Hastie it's always about his poor kicking. I'm worried for him

 

[hangdog]

Herald Sun says JSOS back after Christmas.

Christmas 2026

 

[Diehard Saint]

Conversely, feels like every time I read about Hastie it's always about his poor kicking. I'm worried for him

Last season he made some very impressive defensive moves and marks but often spoilt it with his next use of the ball. Kicking was not great.
Still a babe, hopefully he can improve that side of his game.

 

[BrutThough]

Anything else to report mate ?

Nothing too eventful today. Was a huge session - they were still doing running drills at 12:30 when I left so a solid 2 1/2 block. Everyone but Hill and JSOS in was outside at some point which is good.

Outside of Nas, Wilson is super impressive and looks to have gone to another level. Flanders has fit in seamlessly and already combing well with Nas in the drills. Add in Windy, Pou, Hall, Garcia - I am fairly bullish about our midfield moving forward. Add in a wildcard like Dow working out or landing someone in a trade. We at least have options.

First time I've seen TDK training outside. He's much leaner than I expected. Standing next to King, their difference body shapes were obvious. It might also indicate how much size King has put on. On King, he was the last of the rehab group left on the track which is great to see after last year.

I'll echo the comments on Banfield already mentioned today but the kid has it. Already a good size, got a good tank on him. He took a really nice intercept mark against Marshall during one of the drills the got good cheers from everyone else. Hard to see how West Coast turned him down.

To end, the highlight of the session was Wilke kicking a goal from 50ish off one step. A rare sight but a beauty to see.

 

[Nutsngum]

Last season he made some very impressive defensive moves and marks but often spoilt it with his next use of the ball. Kicking was not great.
Still a babe, hopefully he can improve that side of his game.

I cant remember which game it was but I distinctly remember him coming in about midway through the season and having a deplorable first half, just every single possession was turned over in a very dangerous area. The coaching staff must have singled him out and steadied him though as he came out in the second half and you could just see him improve dramatically in all aspects. Seems a very coachable player and I think has a high ceiling.

 

[hangdog]

The Trav discussion is interesting. I think the fact that he generally looks a bit untidy makes it harder to warm to him. His arms flap about a lot and his kicking can let him down at times . Has a lot of good traits though and I think he will play a lot of games.

I remember it took me a very long time to warm to Jarryn Geary - and I wasn’t alone. But ultimately he became a club captain late in his career through sheer determination and work rate. I can see a lot of similarities in Trav.

 

[gringo2011]

More than 15 wins and only losing only ONE game at Marvel Stadium in the entire season?

Oh and beating Geelong at the Cattery?

That's what old mates in the video claimed.

I'm an optimist but that is LOFTY expectations.

I think something like that is definitely achievable in the near-future - not next season though.

Plenty of new players to settle in. Plenty of key cogs need to overcome terrible injury history. All of which should be peaking in 2027-2028.

It's not impossible - nothing is. But it really isn't a likely story.

I'd say we should aim for the stars. No one has ever won anything by aiming for the bottom. Winning mindsets and high expectations never hurt.

 

[Dr Spaceman]

Herald Sun says JSOS back after Christmas.

Must have a second job as a sleigh driver

 

[SainterinSydney]

Also went down today and biggest takeaway is Nas is really really good. We have other good players but he is just next level.

So you're saying Nas is good at football?

 

[saintmike65]

Really enjoyed training session today, particularly young titans Tauru and Barrett going for a high ball and neither shirking the issue.
Loved Mattaes stoppage work, Nas and Wilson power running, Tauru aggressive approach aerialy.
Windhager has added an important ingredient to his his game, that is an ability to do low bullet passes that go quickly through the air.
A sneaky chance for a half back spot is Jack Carroll...his run and penetration with his kicking is catching the eye.
Hopefully he improves his durability!
Liking Armstrong's rapid development plus Charlie Banfield and Kye Fincher not looking out of place.
A mention too on Collard, who looks like the penny's droped as far as work rate and intensity required.

 

[Atomboy]

Nothing too eventful today. Was a huge session - they were still doing running drills at 12:30 when I left so a solid 2 1/2 block. Everyone but Hill and JSOS in was outside at some point which is good.

Outside of Nas, Wilson is super impressive and looks to have gone to another level. Flanders has fit in seamlessly and already combing well with Nas in the drills. Add in Windy, Pou, Hall, Garcia - I am fairly bullish about our midfield moving forward. Add in a wildcard like Dow working out or landing someone in a trade. We at least have options.

First time I've seen TDK training outside. He's much leaner than I expected. Standing next to King, their difference body shapes were obvious. It might also indicate how much size King has put on. On King, he was the last of the rehab group left on the track which is great to see after last year.

I'll echo the comments on Banfield already mentioned today but the kid has it. Already a good size, got a good tank on him. He took a really nice intercept mark against Marshall during one of the drills the got good cheers from everyone else. Hard to see how West Coast turned him down.

To end, the highlight of the session was Wilke kicking a goal from 50ish off one step. A rare sight but a beauty to see.

Haven’t heard much about Dow so far this pre-season.

Hopefully he is building back from that horrible injury.

 

[akaifu]

West Coast passed on Banfield because they were out of list spots - I think they were expecting their pick for Sam Allen to be absorbed by an earlier bid for Tylah Williams

West Coast fans absolutely livid

We have a gem here. Another Dalrymple special

 

[Joffaboy]

got down to training today, a few observations

- Banfield is a new fave, he's a big lad, looked very similar in height to Barrat.
His defensive work is fantastic, 100% effort, repeat efforts, may burn himself out this year with trying too hard
Could see him getting games this year, physically looks ready (running?). Kicking needs work from small sample size

- Armstrong - reminds me of Goddard in the way he moves. His kicking is neat, seems pretty dependable with short kicking, higher pressure prob a challenge at this point but like the look of him

- Higgins - just super effective in the game sim stuff, makes a quick smart decision and hits the target

- Nas - freak show. kicking is great to watch, ball cuts through the air and can slice his kicks on kooky angles, must be hard for defenders to predict. Reckon we could see some great chemistry with him and Flyin', could be some exceptional plays with their combined skill and creativity

- Flyin' Ryan - looks pretty happy to me, smart player, nice kick, looked for Ro in the match sim stuff

- Wilkie - so Wilkie it hurt - Mr Dependable, super pro

- Carrol - stood out a bit, having a real crack. defensive work a highlight, made life hard for oppo

- Wilson - cruising around being an absolute specimen

- Pou - good, quick

- Garcia - see Pou

- Sinclair - wasn't just doing laps

- Cooper - very good

- Tobie - lots of voice, seems comfortable in the group, didn't watch closely

- Hastie - like him but misses targets too much for his position, gotta sharpen up his kicking

- King - moving way better than a couple of weeks ago, short kicking, short runs, some agility stuff. He's not skinny, big strong looking unit

- Ross - what are we paying him for - snoozing around having chats - vibe guy

No Hill, Mitch not in main group - chatted with staff & pool, Henry running laps as were Box, Lobster, Dodson (legs like tree trunks)
Rehab group of King, TDK, Stocker (gloved - hand injury?), Clark & other?

Great stuff.
Your observations on both Higgins and Carroll is something I have observed.
Higgins has been as impressive as I have seen him at preseason.
Carroll has been very good off a half back. Would love to see him show what he really has as a footballer.
Hastie observation is spot on. Needs work on his accuracy, was apparrent in some senior games last season and has carried over to this preseason. His inaccuracy seems even more pronounced with the players we have runni g about now with high accuracy, Hugo, Hall, Wilson, NAZ etc.

 

[jimmytigs]

I cant remember which game it was but I distinctly remember him coming in about midway through the season and having a deplorable first half, just every single possession was turned over in a very dangerous area. The coaching staff must have singled him out and steadied him though as he came out in the second half and you could just see him improve dramatically in all aspects. Seems a very coachable player and I think has a high ceiling.

is that Hastie?it sounds like him in the hawthorn game,he had an absolute mare of a first half,then dickhead ginnivan got into him walking off the ground,that was coaches name=ginnivan,because he came out in the second half and was a different player,took a hanger as well

if ive got the wrong player i will cop the egg on my face,but sounds like it was that hastie hawthorn game and elite coaching by ginnivan