Training Pre-season 2026

[lizard man]

FRKN LOL

Like I always say, it’s good to dream big!

 

[Damo80]

I know we are never able to get 23 A grade types on the list but what ever state our list is at, we should be looking at replacing the bottom portion i.e the players we consider to be fringe.

No doubt this is always the clubs goal. They’re just required to be more pragmatic than the typically impatient supporter. I.e. to single out Sonsie, in a stronger draft pool year he wouldn’t have survived. But there’s no point cutting a guy you think is 40% chance to “make it” if it means giving a 2 year draft contract to a replacement you think would only be 20% chance.

 

[biaseddustyfan]

Also just on this point, suggesting Michaels does not value diversity is absolutely incorrect. He has been gracious enough to allow a participant with disabilities from my workplace, who has a keen interest in AFL and is currently studying Sports Journalism at Deakin University, several chances to jump on to gain experience on being on camera and has extended an open invitation to him whenever he would like.

Michaels is genuinely one of the most accomodating and accepting people I know and would jump on any chance to have new guests on the Tigercast in any format if they were open to it. He has stated many times if anyone is interested, to message him so he could facilitate this. It is unfair to criticise him for a lack of diversity, when not many people, including yourself, accept his invitation to jump on.

And as the youngest member of the Tigercast, I take offence to being called Old.

when's he getting Groupie_ on

 

[THE_GUN]

They came out well in front with the Curnow trade. They should be happy, IMO, but holy shit premiership contention is insane.

They have a side that will be a 7-12 side for the next 5 years and in that time will lose
Cripps , MacKay , Wietering , and their Dynasty that produced 3 wins in a row will be over

 

[THE_GUN]

Who's their Cotch & Dusty?

Today its Jagga & Ison

next week who knows

 

[sregit]

No doubt this is always the clubs goal. They’re just required to be more pragmatic than the typically impatient supporter. I.e. to single out Sonsie, in a stronger draft pool year he wouldn’t have survived. But there’s no point cutting a guy you think is 40% chance to “make it” if it means giving a 2 year draft contract to a replacement you think would only be 20% chance.

Sonsie is no chance to be anything but a fringe player. Currently he's holding last spot on our list. Had to wait and see if he had a 1 year contract. His position would not have gone to a player in the draft. Rookie or train on only requires a one year contract.

 

[Rubber Hips]

Good report…
lots to get excited about
Everyone is flying
Lads coming back almost fully fit
Everyone is pumped
Bring on 2026 boys…it’s going to be great


Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Four
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1939151

Richmond returned to the Swinburne Centre on Monday morning, fresh off its week-long camp in Yarrawonga, wasting no time jumping back into training.

After a warm-up lap around the centre square, the group began training with a basic ABC handball and kicking drill.

Liam Fawcett was looking dangerous on foot, weaving through coaches who were emulating defenders, then nailing his kicks by lacing out his targets.

Similarly, Jayden Short was moving well, showcasing his composure and poise with the ball in hand. Now in his 12th pre-season, the 29-year-old isn't showing any signs of slowing down, leading the new crop of Tigers with his voice and training standards.


On the other side of the oval, Mykelti Lefau was moving well through a drill that required players to do 20-meter run-throughs while holding weights. Lefau was quick off the mark, showcasing his explosiveness, power and drive through the legs, setting himself up nicely for a strong pre-season campaign.

Lefau recovered from his calf injury to play in the VFL Elimination Final in September.

In his second week at the Club, Sam Cumming continued his good form, moving the ball cleanly by hand and by foot throughout skill exception drills.

It wouldn't be pre-season without some high-intensity running drills, with the team participating in a block of 100-meter sprints up and down the field.

Jasper Alger, Kane McAuliffe and Patrick Retschko were striding through the runs, keeping a tight group at the front of the pack.

Off the back of his career-best season, key defender Ben Miller has picked up where he left off, looking extremely confident in a multi-kick drill, working the ball down both wings of the oval.

The 25-year-old showed his composure when off-routing the ball as he would in defence, hitting up a strong lead by Tom Lynch as he laced it out into the attacking 50.

By this time, the clouds had rolled over the Swinburne Centre, with the rain starting to pour in heavily, offering an opportunity for the players to work on their skills in wet conditions.

Young gun, Taj Hotton, seemed to have no issues in the rain, scooping the ball up cleanly in a stoppage drill while weaving through defensive pressure in transition.

Forwards, Jonty Faull and Lynch, were strong lead-up targets for whenever the ball came into the attacking 50, leading up with intent and purpose despite the wet and slippery conditions.

With the sun begging to come out again, James Trezise shined, as he brought the pressure in a 9 vs 5 decision-making drill, taking a huge leaping intercept mark, setting the tone for the defenders.

Sam Lalor looked dominant in the 9 vs 5, commanding the ball through the middle of the designated area, not afraid to take on the defenders and break open the game for his teammates.

By Wednesday, the summer weather finally arrived in Melbourne and the program was up and about.

Josh Smillie was all smiles as he completed his biking outside near the main group, with Tom Sims also looking strong through his rehab work.

Lalor’s enthusiasm was high, guiding the 2025 draftees through their paces, while Faull’s superboot stole the show, as the exciting forward was nailing goals from approximately 65 metres out.

Jack Ross’ strength was on display during an offensive drill, as he slotted a clean goal from 45 out, after taking the ball on the run from Seth Campbell. Miller utilised his strength to pressure the forward group throughout the drill
.
All eyes turned to Hugo Ralphsmith as he impressed through traffic, offering elite agility and showing improvement in his ball anticipation.

Maurice Rioli and Ross embraced the ‘full noise’ mantra, clashing in a full-ground drill focused on decision-making, with the pair quickly bouncing to their feet after both solidly chasing the ball.

The hunger continued as Cumming and McAuliffe put in full-ground sprint efforts to receive the ball off the wing and stream into forward 50.

Noah Roberts-Thomson also stood out by applying strong pressure across the field, while Josh Gibcus remained composed with his pinpoint accurate kicks from half back.

A positive and strong session from the entire group saw Algertackling with ferocity, Campbell and Tyler Sonsie battling across the wing, and Ross and Ralphsmith standing tall.

The players also got up and about for Jacob Hopper and Kaleb Smith, who had the boxing gloves on for some strength sessions on the sidelines.

Friday marked the end of a successful week on the track, with Short’s energy high as usual, leading the group through their warm ups.

But the highlight of the last working day of the week came when each of the four 2025 draftees families came to visit at the Swinburne Centre.

Sam Grlj, Cumming, Roberts-Thomson and Zane Peucker’sloved ones received a tour of the facilities, ate lunch at the Club, and got to see their boys in action amongst the veterans.

It didn’t take long for Grlj to start shining, with his pace around a full-ground drill, alongside Ross, impressing more than just his family.

Harry Armstrong stood tall in a tackling drill, taking down Seth Campbell in a friendly clash, while Peucker kept pace around the footy.

It was a wonderful way for each player to see a fresh side of their newest teammates, and it rounded out another important week of building on the track.

 

[guruisatiger]

Maybe we need this to be a recurring segment on the Tigercast Michaels? Maybe this could be the Aussie Ringwood sponsored Segment.

Please don't associate the two fine Young men from Aussie Ringwood with Lord of the wings

 

[guruisatiger]

when's he getting Groupie_ on

No reception in the dungeon

 

[kozi]

Good report…
lots to get excited about
Everyone is flying
Lads coming back almost fully fit
Everyone is pumped
Bring on 2026 boys…it’s going to be great


Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Four
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1939151

Richmond returned to the Swinburne Centre on Monday morning, fresh off its week-long camp in Yarrawonga, wasting no time jumping back into training.

After a warm-up lap around the centre square, the group began training with a basic ABC handball and kicking drill.

Liam Fawcett was looking dangerous on foot, weaving through coaches who were emulating defenders, then nailing his kicks by lacing out his targets.

Similarly, Jayden Short was moving well, showcasing his composure and poise with the ball in hand. Now in his 12th pre-season, the 29-year-old isn't showing any signs of slowing down, leading the new crop of Tigers with his voice and training standards.


On the other side of the oval, Mykelti Lefau was moving well through a drill that required players to do 20-meter run-throughs while holding weights. Lefau was quick off the mark, showcasing his explosiveness, power and drive through the legs, setting himself up nicely for a strong pre-season campaign.

Lefau recovered from his calf injury to play in the VFL Elimination Final in September.

In his second week at the Club, Sam Cumming continued his good form, moving the ball cleanly by hand and by foot throughout skill exception drills.

It wouldn't be pre-season without some high-intensity running drills, with the team participating in a block of 100-meter sprints up and down the field.

Jasper Alger, Kane McAuliffe and Patrick Retschko were striding through the runs, keeping a tight group at the front of the pack.

Off the back of his career-best season, key defender Ben Miller has picked up where he left off, looking extremely confident in a multi-kick drill, working the ball down both wings of the oval.

The 25-year-old showed his composure when off-routing the ball as he would in defence, hitting up a strong lead by Tom Lynch as he laced it out into the attacking 50.

By this time, the clouds had rolled over the Swinburne Centre, with the rain starting to pour in heavily, offering an opportunity for the players to work on their skills in wet conditions.

Young gun, Taj Hotton, seemed to have no issues in the rain, scooping the ball up cleanly in a stoppage drill while weaving through defensive pressure in transition.

Forwards, Jonty Faull and Lynch, were strong lead-up targets for whenever the ball came into the attacking 50, leading up with intent and purpose despite the wet and slippery conditions.

With the sun begging to come out again, James Trezise shined, as he brought the pressure in a 9 vs 5 decision-making drill, taking a huge leaping intercept mark, setting the tone for the defenders.

Sam Lalor looked dominant in the 9 vs 5, commanding the ball through the middle of the designated area, not afraid to take on the defenders and break open the game for his teammates.

By Wednesday, the summer weather finally arrived in Melbourne and the program was up and about.

Josh Smillie was all smiles as he completed his biking outside near the main group, with Tom Sims also looking strong through his rehab work.

Lalor’s enthusiasm was high, guiding the 2025 draftees through their paces, while Faull’s superboot stole the show, as the exciting forward was nailing goals from approximately 65 metres out.

Jack Ross’ strength was on display during an offensive drill, as he slotted a clean goal from 45 out, after taking the ball on the run from Seth Campbell. Miller utilised his strength to pressure the forward group throughout the drill
.
All eyes turned to Hugo Ralphsmith as he impressed through traffic, offering elite agility and showing improvement in his ball anticipation.

Maurice Rioli and Ross embraced the ‘full noise’ mantra, clashing in a full-ground drill focused on decision-making, with the pair quickly bouncing to their feet after both solidly chasing the ball.

The hunger continued as Cumming and McAuliffe put in full-ground sprint efforts to receive the ball off the wing and stream into forward 50.

Noah Roberts-Thomson also stood out by applying strong pressure across the field, while Josh Gibcus remained composed with his pinpoint accurate kicks from half back.

A positive and strong session from the entire group saw Algertackling with ferocity, Campbell and Tyler Sonsie battling across the wing, and Ross and Ralphsmith standing tall.

The players also got up and about for Jacob Hopper and Kaleb Smith, who had the boxing gloves on for some strength sessions on the sidelines.

Friday marked the end of a successful week on the track, with Short’s energy high as usual, leading the group through their warm ups.

But the highlight of the last working day of the week came when each of the four 2025 draftees families came to visit at the Swinburne Centre.

Sam Grlj, Cumming, Roberts-Thomson and Zane Peucker’sloved ones received a tour of the facilities, ate lunch at the Club, and got to see their boys in action amongst the veterans.

It didn’t take long for Grlj to start shining, with his pace around a full-ground drill, alongside Ross, impressing more than just his family.

Harry Armstrong stood tall in a tackling drill, taking down Seth Campbell in a friendly clash, while Peucker kept pace around the footy.

It was a wonderful way for each player to see a fresh side of their newest teammates, and it rounded out another important week of building on the track.

Looks like nobody matching Mansell’s pre season from last year still. Start of december was flying like icarus

 

[Ancient Tiger]

Looks like nobody matching Mansell’s pre season from last year still. Start of december was flying like icarus

You know what happened to Icarus though.....

 

[Infamy]

Nothing I've seen Balta do for majority of his career tells me he's a natural footballer with a decent footy IQ. He gets very little 'easy' ball. He goes missing for long periods of games without touching the pill. He makes some horrendous decision making errors, often choosing the wrong option by going short and turning it over. If a player with his athletic gifts had a high footy IQ and natural affinity for the game he'd dominate a lot more than he does.

I reckon a lot of the same things, or worse, were said about Alex Rance early in his career
Noah has already played in a premiership as well, so he can certainly be part of the next one

 

[Rubber Hips]

Looks like nobody matching Mansell’s pre season from last year still. Start of december was flying like icarus

…..and then he got too close to the sun …he should have gone at night

 

[Grockadoc]

Nothing I've seen Balta do for majority of his career tells me he's a natural footballer with a decent footy IQ. He gets very little 'easy' ball. He goes missing for long periods of games without touching the pill. He makes some horrendous decision making errors, often choosing the wrong option by going short and turning it over. If a player with his athletic gifts had a high footy IQ and natural affinity for the game he'd dominate a lot more than he does.

Balta is the type who plays his best when he plays on instinct and can attack the footy. When he needs to be accountable, it almost seems like he gets caught wanting to leave to intercept, or stay with him man and defend and can get caught in no mans land. That's why I like him rotating through the ruck.

 

[Grockadoc]

Looks like nobody matching Mansell’s pre season from last year still. Start of december was flying like icarus

Remember this time last year, everyone was raving about how good Ryan was and that he could surprise a few?

 

[Karp3_dm]

Good report…
lots to get excited about
Everyone is flying
Lads coming back almost fully fit
Everyone is pumped
Bring on 2026 boys…it’s going to be great


Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Four
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1939151

Richmond returned to the Swinburne Centre on Monday morning, fresh off its week-long camp in Yarrawonga, wasting no time jumping back into training.

After a warm-up lap around the centre square, the group began training with a basic ABC handball and kicking drill.

Liam Fawcett was looking dangerous on foot, weaving through coaches who were emulating defenders, then nailing his kicks by lacing out his targets.

Similarly, Jayden Short was moving well, showcasing his composure and poise with the ball in hand. Now in his 12th pre-season, the 29-year-old isn't showing any signs of slowing down, leading the new crop of Tigers with his voice and training standards.


On the other side of the oval, Mykelti Lefau was moving well through a drill that required players to do 20-meter run-throughs while holding weights. Lefau was quick off the mark, showcasing his explosiveness, power and drive through the legs, setting himself up nicely for a strong pre-season campaign.

Lefau recovered from his calf injury to play in the VFL Elimination Final in September.

In his second week at the Club, Sam Cumming continued his good form, moving the ball cleanly by hand and by foot throughout skill exception drills.

It wouldn't be pre-season without some high-intensity running drills, with the team participating in a block of 100-meter sprints up and down the field.

Jasper Alger, Kane McAuliffe and Patrick Retschko were striding through the runs, keeping a tight group at the front of the pack.

Off the back of his career-best season, key defender Ben Miller has picked up where he left off, looking extremely confident in a multi-kick drill, working the ball down both wings of the oval.

The 25-year-old showed his composure when off-routing the ball as he would in defence, hitting up a strong lead by Tom Lynch as he laced it out into the attacking 50.

By this time, the clouds had rolled over the Swinburne Centre, with the rain starting to pour in heavily, offering an opportunity for the players to work on their skills in wet conditions.

Young gun, Taj Hotton, seemed to have no issues in the rain, scooping the ball up cleanly in a stoppage drill while weaving through defensive pressure in transition.

Forwards, Jonty Faull and Lynch, were strong lead-up targets for whenever the ball came into the attacking 50, leading up with intent and purpose despite the wet and slippery conditions.

With the sun begging to come out again, James Trezise shined, as he brought the pressure in a 9 vs 5 decision-making drill, taking a huge leaping intercept mark, setting the tone for the defenders.

Sam Lalor looked dominant in the 9 vs 5, commanding the ball through the middle of the designated area, not afraid to take on the defenders and break open the game for his teammates.

By Wednesday, the summer weather finally arrived in Melbourne and the program was up and about.

Josh Smillie was all smiles as he completed his biking outside near the main group, with Tom Sims also looking strong through his rehab work.

Lalor’s enthusiasm was high, guiding the 2025 draftees through their paces, while Faull’s superboot stole the show, as the exciting forward was nailing goals from approximately 65 metres out.

Jack Ross’ strength was on display during an offensive drill, as he slotted a clean goal from 45 out, after taking the ball on the run from Seth Campbell. Miller utilised his strength to pressure the forward group throughout the drill
.
All eyes turned to Hugo Ralphsmith as he impressed through traffic, offering elite agility and showing improvement in his ball anticipation.

Maurice Rioli and Ross embraced the ‘full noise’ mantra, clashing in a full-ground drill focused on decision-making, with the pair quickly bouncing to their feet after both solidly chasing the ball.

The hunger continued as Cumming and McAuliffe put in full-ground sprint efforts to receive the ball off the wing and stream into forward 50.

Noah Roberts-Thomson also stood out by applying strong pressure across the field, while Josh Gibcus remained composed with his pinpoint accurate kicks from half back.

A positive and strong session from the entire group saw Algertackling with ferocity, Campbell and Tyler Sonsie battling across the wing, and Ross and Ralphsmith standing tall.

The players also got up and about for Jacob Hopper and Kaleb Smith, who had the boxing gloves on for some strength sessions on the sidelines.

Friday marked the end of a successful week on the track, with Short’s energy high as usual, leading the group through their warm ups.

But the highlight of the last working day of the week came when each of the four 2025 draftees families came to visit at the Swinburne Centre.

Sam Grlj, Cumming, Roberts-Thomson and Zane Peucker’sloved ones received a tour of the facilities, ate lunch at the Club, and got to see their boys in action amongst the veterans.

It didn’t take long for Grlj to start shining, with his pace around a full-ground drill, alongside Ross, impressing more than just his family.

Harry Armstrong stood tall in a tackling drill, taking down Seth Campbell in a friendly clash, while Peucker kept pace around the footy.

It was a wonderful way for each player to see a fresh side of their newest teammates, and it rounded out another important week of building on the track.

Might as well just give us the flag now

 

[Danog]

Remember this time last year, everyone was raving about how good Ryan was and that he could surprise a few?

Everyone?

 

[Grockadoc]

Everyone?

Well, Michaels.

 

[Michaels]

Well, Michaels.

Might have just got the year wrong.

2026 is his time to shine

 

[DickieKnee]

2026 is his time to shine, I hope.

EFA

 

[wegetpumped]

You know what happened to Icarus though.....

Icarus and rfc is one of the same. Both have brains to build something, but as the suns flew up the ladder, we got burned.

 

[SteveRogers]

These guys are all at the bottom end of our list.

This year we’ve seen clubs make some calls on players that have been on lists too long and won’t progress.

McRae, Phillips, Hobbs are good examples of guys who were highly rated but not up to it and given chance after chance.

Dow finally got the bullet this year and I put him in the above group. Sonsie was very lucky to be kept on.

Ross has had plenty of opportunities and I think what you see with him now you get. I’d expect the class of 2024 to take his spot in the side in the next 12 months.

Mansell is a contributor and teams need his type that provide run and defensive work.

Big year for MRJ. He stays in the side because of his defensive work but his fitness lets him down. Every pre season we pray he’s fitter. I wonder if the penny drops this year.

Hugo can run but he will be up against it with Grjl, NRT and Retchenko in the side. I wonder if they think Burton may be a hard running wingman as well? Big year for HRS to cement that wing spot.

Smith, Tresize and Green need to be playing consistent seniors this year to be offered a contract and I don’t see who they replace. Smith should be gunning for Shortys spot but not sure he’s got the talent. Let’s see.

Ryan like it or not will be playing seniors this year. Nank can’t do it all himself and he’s the next man up. With Sims recovering from injury, Samson will play early as second ruck. I’m not sure you can teach aggression and intent and that’s what he needs.

Big year for all these guys.
Not all will make it. In fact I think almost all won’t.

I hold hope for improvement from MRJ, Sonsie and Smith in particular, but it’s based on nothing except the fact that if they come good, could provide important pieces to our side we are looking for.

Agree with most, I see absolutely nothing in Smith.
I’m not saying he’s bad. He just has a fairly low ceiling and makes some horrendous decisions.
Trezise is a great depth player, he’ll almost play for free.
I love Steely but I think Cumming immediately takes his spot, whether or not he too can become a great depth player, we’ll have to see - I rather MRJ’s speed and (sometimes perceived) pressure.
Sonsie has the best skills of any player we’ve had since Cotchin, unfortunately you can’t teach intent and competitiveness - hence why he slid (and hasn’t really worked out) - and why guys like Cumming and Lalor go so high - recruiters know this.

 

[THE THIN MAN]

Might have just got the year wrong.

2525 is his time to shine

EFA

 

[Lord of the Wings]

Good report…
lots to get excited about
Everyone is flying
Lads coming back almost fully fit
Everyone is pumped
Bring on 2026 boys…it’s going to be great


Track Watch: Pre-Season Week Four
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1939151

Richmond returned to the Swinburne Centre on Monday morning, fresh off its week-long camp in Yarrawonga, wasting no time jumping back into training.

After a warm-up lap around the centre square, the group began training with a basic ABC handball and kicking drill.

Liam Fawcett was looking dangerous on foot, weaving through coaches who were emulating defenders, then nailing his kicks by lacing out his targets.

Similarly, Jayden Short was moving well, showcasing his composure and poise with the ball in hand. Now in his 12th pre-season, the 29-year-old isn't showing any signs of slowing down, leading the new crop of Tigers with his voice and training standards.


On the other side of the oval, Mykelti Lefau was moving well through a drill that required players to do 20-meter run-throughs while holding weights. Lefau was quick off the mark, showcasing his explosiveness, power and drive through the legs, setting himself up nicely for a strong pre-season campaign.

Lefau recovered from his calf injury to play in the VFL Elimination Final in September.

In his second week at the Club, Sam Cumming continued his good form, moving the ball cleanly by hand and by foot throughout skill exception drills.

It wouldn't be pre-season without some high-intensity running drills, with the team participating in a block of 100-meter sprints up and down the field.

Jasper Alger, Kane McAuliffe and Patrick Retschko were striding through the runs, keeping a tight group at the front of the pack.

Off the back of his career-best season, key defender Ben Miller has picked up where he left off, looking extremely confident in a multi-kick drill, working the ball down both wings of the oval.

The 25-year-old showed his composure when off-routing the ball as he would in defence, hitting up a strong lead by Tom Lynch as he laced it out into the attacking 50.

By this time, the clouds had rolled over the Swinburne Centre, with the rain starting to pour in heavily, offering an opportunity for the players to work on their skills in wet conditions.

Young gun, Taj Hotton, seemed to have no issues in the rain, scooping the ball up cleanly in a stoppage drill while weaving through defensive pressure in transition.

Forwards, Jonty Faull and Lynch, were strong lead-up targets for whenever the ball came into the attacking 50, leading up with intent and purpose despite the wet and slippery conditions.

With the sun begging to come out again, James Trezise shined, as he brought the pressure in a 9 vs 5 decision-making drill, taking a huge leaping intercept mark, setting the tone for the defenders.

Sam Lalor looked dominant in the 9 vs 5, commanding the ball through the middle of the designated area, not afraid to take on the defenders and break open the game for his teammates.

By Wednesday, the summer weather finally arrived in Melbourne and the program was up and about.

Josh Smillie was all smiles as he completed his biking outside near the main group, with Tom Sims also looking strong through his rehab work.

Lalor’s enthusiasm was high, guiding the 2025 draftees through their paces, while Faull’s superboot stole the show, as the exciting forward was nailing goals from approximately 65 metres out.

Jack Ross’ strength was on display during an offensive drill, as he slotted a clean goal from 45 out, after taking the ball on the run from Seth Campbell. Miller utilised his strength to pressure the forward group throughout the drill
.
All eyes turned to Hugo Ralphsmith as he impressed through traffic, offering elite agility and showing improvement in his ball anticipation.

Maurice Rioli and Ross embraced the ‘full noise’ mantra, clashing in a full-ground drill focused on decision-making, with the pair quickly bouncing to their feet after both solidly chasing the ball.

The hunger continued as Cumming and McAuliffe put in full-ground sprint efforts to receive the ball off the wing and stream into forward 50.

Noah Roberts-Thomson also stood out by applying strong pressure across the field, while Josh Gibcus remained composed with his pinpoint accurate kicks from half back.

A positive and strong session from the entire group saw Algertackling with ferocity, Campbell and Tyler Sonsie battling across the wing, and Ross and Ralphsmith standing tall.

The players also got up and about for Jacob Hopper and Kaleb Smith, who had the boxing gloves on for some strength sessions on the sidelines.

Friday marked the end of a successful week on the track, with Short’s energy high as usual, leading the group through their warm ups.

But the highlight of the last working day of the week came when each of the four 2025 draftees families came to visit at the Swinburne Centre.

Sam Grlj, Cumming, Roberts-Thomson and Zane Peucker’sloved ones received a tour of the facilities, ate lunch at the Club, and got to see their boys in action amongst the veterans.

It didn’t take long for Grlj to start shining, with his pace around a full-ground drill, alongside Ross, impressing more than just his family.

Harry Armstrong stood tall in a tackling drill, taking down Seth Campbell in a friendly clash, while Peucker kept pace around the footy.

It was a wonderful way for each player to see a fresh side of their newest teammates, and it rounded out another important week of building on the track.

This is like reading an u12 local teams match reports. It’s important every kid gets a mention.

Socials team just got ChatGPT to write that for sure.

 

[sregit]

Balta is the type who plays his best when he plays on instinct and can attack the footy. When he needs to be accountable, it almost seems like he gets caught wanting to leave to intercept, or stay with him man and defend and can get caught in no mans land. That's why I like him rotating through the ruck.

Balta makes to many judgement and skill errors down back. I agree I'd like him to rotate ruck also.