Training 2026 Training Reports

[Chadwiko]

Agree that Dawson is looking huge - as is X and Logue.

Dawson putting on size is good. Will be interesting throughout pre-season to see how they utilise him. IE is he going to be competing with Pink/Logue for a KPD role, or more likely competing with Comben for that looser intercepting defender role? My guess is the latter.

Can't see Goad or Whitlock playing much in 2026 - they both need to put on a fair bit of size.

Agreed. Have mentioned before that Goad lives in my area and I see him around at the local shops a bit. He's a big lad but still has some KGs to add to his frame. He's trending in the right direction though. Big VFL year for him.

Based on today and despite what many on here think, Jy, Caleb, Stevens and Pink will play plenty of AFL games next year

Also agree - I think it's patently obvious to all who have been paying attention that Pink will enter 2026 as our #1 KPD. Logue #2. Everyone else will be developmental (ie Dawson) or depth (ie Corr).

Caleb Daniel will play Round 1. It's just a question of where and in what role. I suspect we won't see him deep in defense anymore.

From the little I saw on the sidelines, not sure Zane trains like an AFL footballer.

This continues to echo everything I've heard about him. I had multiple people plugged in/ITK at the club last year tell me there were concerns about his work ethic and effort, and the hope was a kick in the butt this offseason would sort it out. There's still time. But things aren't looking great.

Andrew Swallow was there with his kids. He still looks very fit.

He could probably still get 20 touches and 6 tackles for us in 2026.

 

[King Corey]

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First shot had so much crop and caption potential.

But it would be wrong.

 

[shimaburnsgrieg]

Dawson putting on size is good. Will be interesting throughout pre-season to see how they utilise him. IE is he going to be competing with Pink/Logue for a KPD role, or more likely competing with Comben for that looser intercepting defender role? My guess is the latter.



Agreed. Have mentioned before that Goad lives in my area and I see him around at the local shops a bit. He's a big lad but still has some KGs to add to his frame. He's trending in the right direction though. Big VFL year for him.



Also agree - I think it's patently obvious to all who have been paying attention that Pink will enter 2026 as our #1 KPD. Logue #2. Everyone else will be developmental (ie Dawson) or depth (ie Corr).

Caleb Daniel will play Round 1. It's just a question of where and in what role. I suspect we won't see him deep in defense anymore.



This continues to echo everything I've heard about him. I had multiple people plugged in/ITK at the club last year tell me there were concerns about his work ethic and effort, and the hope was a kick in the butt this offseason would sort it out. There's still time. But things aren't looking great.




He could probably still get 20 touches and 6 tackles for us in 2026.

I think you are missing one of the leadership group in that.

 

[shinboner magic]

he clearly thought our players were smarter than they are and willing to play a complex zone defence

need to make it easier for our players and just one on one back shoulder defend so we do not get caught out

agree should've been changed years ago instead of being stubborn thinking it would work

Starting point will change but hopefully our players have the initiative to attack the ball when required.
It was sheer lunacy to have them 10-20 metres in front of their opponent with our lack of pressure in the middle and our forward half

 

[shintemaster]

I think you are missing one of the leadership group in that.

Assume oversight only from Chad - pretty clear Comben is essentially a fixture down there now. FWIW I'd have Comben as the more aggressively floating type, however expect with Logue fit again we will play a more true defensive style with a few floating options. Suits Comben's assets though, he will eat up marks as 2nd / 3rd up.

 

[The Dingrel]

Couldn't ask for a better dude to have around the club than Kevin Mealamu
Not the biggest bloke on the rugby field, but tough as, and you couldn't find a nicer guy on the planet

All Black set up is about as professional as you get too. You don't dominate the game for hundred years with a small population base unless you do the small things really well without the level of money that the Northern Hemisphere sides enjoy.
All Black sides were also always fitter than other sides.
Lots the North players can learn

so i applaud the move from the club

There'd be few better organisational cultures in the world than the AB's. I was fortunate enough to sit beside the late great Jonah Lomu at a charity event, lovely, respectful, humble human being. I think it's fantastic the club has brought Kevin in to work on leadership, hopefully it's not a one off as well!

 

[DuckYeah]

he clearly thought our players were smarter than they are and willing to play a complex zone defence

Its not that complex. Players just dont know how to read the next play.. wouldnt that be down to cohesion more so than anything?

 

[The Dingrel]

Jesus, that’s grim.

 

[SunnyBoner]

driving up from Bris so won't be at the airport.

so then they're only training on the Sunny Coast for 5 days? Friday, yesterday, tomorrow? Slackers!

Interesting one player was telling me how much harder it is to train in the Qld humidity. He said they do similar drills in Melbourne but the QLD heat makes it so much harder.

 

[marklovesbeer]

First shot had so much crop and caption potential.

But it would be wrong.

 

[marklovesbeer]

 

[shinboner magic]

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Mudguts McDonald covering up his rig.

Golf attire lacking

 

[Chadwiko]

I think you are missing one of the leadership group in that.

It's semantics but I don't have Comben as a "KPD". He's more of a floating interceptor, not a 1-on-1 defender like Pink/Logue.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Logue certainly back in good nick

 

[Moti]

Logue certainly back in good nick

Gonna say the same. Also Dawson looks to have a couple of cm on Xerri

 

[shinboner magic]

Gonna say the same. Also Dawson looks to have a couple of cm on Xerri

The coaches dream scenario would be Dawson / Logue as fb/chb and Chom as the interceptor.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Gonna say the same. Also Dawson looks to have a couple of cm on Xerri

He’d want to be.

Lounge is not paid $800k a year to look like Hutchy in the Legends game….

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

I don’t reckon we should be playing 3 key defenders. Archer and McDonald should be able to play on most teams third tall. Sure against Adelaide and Freo we’d need 3 but otherwise we’ll be far too slow / skilful than we’ll need to be.

 

[The Nostradamus]

I don’t reckon we should be playing 3 key defenders. Archer and McDonald should be able to play on most teams third tall. Sure against Adelaide and Freo we’d need 3 but otherwise we’ll be far too slow / skilful than we’ll need to be.

This for me also

B: archer Logue mcdonald
HB: Kerch Chom Hardeman

FOS rotating back there also

Goater to replace lmac when his form dips

 

[Ether]

This continues to echo everything I've heard about him. I had multiple people plugged in/ITK at the club last year tell me there were concerns about his work ethic and effort, and the hope was a kick in the butt this offseason would sort it out. There's still time. But things aren't looking great.

Hasn't he got / had an ITB problem? I was pleased to see he's training with the main group. For all we know, he may be under instruction not to go 100%.

 

[chubbspeterson]

Gonna say the same. Also Dawson looks to have a couple of cm on Xerri

Whilst most of us hope he makes it as a kpd, I wouldn't completely rule out him playing some 2nd ruck for us.

 

[hoffseason gains 01]

This for me also

B: archer Logue mcdonald
HB: Kerch Chom Hardeman

FOS rotating back there also

Goater to replace lmac when his form dips

Agreed mate - I think Daniel gets a game which is definitely not my preference but I hope FOS gets time in the guts. Would love Goater to get back there.

 

[zoomba23]

You know Logue's pleased with his condition because the rig wouldn't be getting social media exposure otherwise

 

[zoomba23]

A username containing 'vegan' is a bit of a kick in the teeth for those of us who moved to debunk on here the common criticism of vegans forcefully letting you know about their dietary preferences.

Thanks for nothing Chloe, you campaigner

 

[DuckYeah]

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Shirts off on the golf course? Really?