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Training Saints preseason 2026

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saintmike65 said:
Question...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.
Click to expand...
Biggest impact - Flanders and Ryan. I can't see Flanders not being a massive upgrade in our midfield. Ryan I think will just slot into the forward line and do well. Skillful, impactful player.

Youngsters - Trav and Tauru. Both top picks, wouldn't be surprised to see both become best 22 players this year.

Established/fringe - Sincs off an uninterrupted pre-season I expect to be back to his best. Sharman with better players around him I think can really impact. He is a very good player and will be in a better forward line.

And for a bonus... Crossroads - Hunter Clark. Is he best 22? I'm not sure.
 
beside the seaside said:
Biggest impact - Flanders and Ryan. I can't see Flanders not being a massive upgrade in our midfield. Ryan I think will just slot into the forward line and do well. Skillful, impactful player.

Youngsters - Trav and Tauru. Both top picks, wouldn't be surprised to see both become best 22 players this year.

Established/fringe - Sincs off an uninterrupted pre-season I expect to be back to his best. Sharman with better players around him I think can really impact. He is a very good player and will be in a better forward line.

And for a bonus... Crossroads - Hunter Clark. Is he best 22? I'm not sure.
Click to expand...
Hunter can do some incredible things in the contest, has a decent kick and is a good mark. if only he could get fit and stay fit.
 

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saintmike65 said:
Question...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.
Click to expand...


Flanders will be the oe that will makes the biggest difference. TDK is primed to be able to dominate ruck duals but Liam Ryan probably the most enjoyable addition. But JSOS also fills Battle's hole.
 
saintmike65 said:
Question...which 2 of the players traded in do you think will have the biggest impact in 2026 and why!
Also, which 2 youngsters do you think will jump to another level and why!
Thirdly, which 2 established or fringe players can make a significant impact in 2026!
I don't expect replies today but whenever you have the opportunity I'm keen to hear from you.
In the meantime, merry Christmas to all the BF guys & ladies.
Click to expand...
I’ll have a crack and would love to get your opinion also.

Biggest impact from Traded in players.
1- TDK with the new ruck rules I believe his leap will be a huge asset and we will be able to be aggressive and get first use out of the centre.
2- Flanders will be huge for us. So clean at ground level and I believe he’s the A grade mid we’ve been crying out for. If he’s fit and his back holds up a fit Flanders will be in our top 5 players.

2 youngsters going to another level.
1- Hugo Garcia clearly has the hunger and drive with a massive competitive spirit. Give enough mid minutes I expect him to go to another level.
2- Darcy Wilson looks extremely fit and has put on some good size over the off season. With his extra bulk I can see his contested game going to another level.
*Also wouldn’t be surprised to see Phillipou take it to another level if he gets an injury free run at it.
2 established or fringe players
1- Marcus Windhager is established in the best 22 and I have a really strong feeling he will be taking it to another level next year. Like Hugo he’s clearly hungry and driven for success.
2- Fringe player to take it to another level Jack Carroll. I believe if he’s fit he will play a big roll of half back in 2026 and be very successful at it.

Cheers.
 
Impact from traded in players
1. Flanders - should fit seamlessly into the midfield and be an instant improvement
2. TDK - high quality talls are valuable and difference makers. The new rules suit him perfectly and he should see his best.

Young players to go to another level
1. Wilson - over his second year blues and ready to announce himself as an A grade player.
2. Phillipou - played last year out of position with zero fitness. we will see the midfield promise we saw at the end of 2024.

Established players to impact
1. Howard - he will be the starting full back in round 0 and the whole backline will be better for it. Wilkie will also be able to intercept more not having carry the extra load to directing inexperienced key backs around.
2. Owens - we should have an extra tall up forward so he should get a lesser defender and be able to roam a bit more instead of being stuck in the fwd line. His physically and strength can be a difference make because not many 3rd/4th defenders will be able to match him in that area.
 
BrutThough said:
Impact from traded in players
1. Flanders - should fit seamlessly into the midfield and be an instant improvement
2. TDK - high quality talls are valuable and difference makers. The new rules suit him perfectly and he should see his best.

Young players to go to another level
1. Wilson - over his second year blues and ready to announce himself as an A grade player.
2. Phillipou - played last year out of position with zero fitness. we will see the midfield promise we saw at the end of 2024.

Established players to impact
1. Howard - he will be the starting full back in round 0 and the whole backline will be better for it. Wilkie will also be able to intercept more not having carry the extra load to directing inexperienced key backs around.
2. Owens - we should have an extra tall up forward so he should get a lesser defender and be able to roam a bit more instead of being stuck in the fwd line. His physically and strength can be a difference make because not many 3rd/4th defenders will be able to match him in that area.
Click to expand...
Good shouts.

I almost said Owens also.
 
I'm still bullish about King too. I think his knee scrape should let him get back early in the season and make a difference.
 

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Question but what is our starting midfield in rd 1 and the mid rotations
1. Naz
2. McRae
3. Flanders
4. Windhager
5. Hall
5. Pou
6. Garcia
7. Wilson
8. Boxhall

My query is where does Windy start , Bench , HB , Wing ?

My thoughts are

Starting mids are
TDK
  • Naz
  • Ned
  • McRae

First rotations are
Windy and hall
Next Garcia Pou
 
Ads734 said:
Question but what is our starting midfield in rd 1 and the mid rotations
1. Naz
2. McRae
3. Flanders
4. Windhager
5. Hall
5. Pou
6. Garcia
7. Wilson
8. Boxhall

My query is where does Windy start , Bench , HB , Wing ?

My thoughts are

Starting mids are
TDK
  • Naz
  • Ned
  • McRae

First rotations are
Windy and hall
Next Garcia Pou
Click to expand...
Going off training the starting midfield come opening round barring injuries will be NWM (Striker), Windy (defensive mid), Flanders (engine two-way runner)

Haven’t seen Macrae in action yet this pre-season but I assume he plays the same role he played late this year as the 65-70% TOG 4th mid - the classic Clark role

Hall and I assume Pou rotate as the high half forward stoppage mid and will get varying CBAs depending on in-game situation

Garcia starts in the VFL unfortunately but that’s the reality of having good depth. Boxshall starts on a wing where he really cemented himself late this year, or in the VFL depending on praccies etc. Wilson probably gets eased into the midfield as the season goes on bc there’s no need to rush him in atm especially since he can be so damaging on the outside already

post-Christmas training will tell us more
 
akaifu said:
Going off training the starting midfield come opening round barring injuries will be NWM (Striker), Windy (defensive mid), Flanders (engine two-way runner)

Haven’t seen Macrae in action yet this pre-season but I assume he plays the same role he played late this year as the 65-70% TOG 4th mid - the classic Clark role

Hall and I assume Pou rotate as the high half forward stoppage mid and will get varying CBAs depending on in-game situation

Garcia starts in the VFL unfortunately but that’s the reality of having good depth. Boxshall starts on a wing where he really cemented himself late this year, or in the VFL depending on praccies etc. Wilson probably gets eased into the midfield as the season goes on bc there’s no need to rush him in atm especially since he can be so damaging on the outside already

post-Christmas training will tell us more
Click to expand...
Does Pou really get automatically selected over Garcia?
 
akaifu said:
Going off training the starting midfield come opening round barring injuries will be NWM (Striker), Windy (defensive mid), Flanders (engine two-way runner)

Haven’t seen Macrae in action yet this pre-season but I assume he plays the same role he played late this year as the 65-70% TOG 4th mid - the classic Clark role

Hall and I assume Pou rotate as the high half forward stoppage mid and will get varying CBAs depending on in-game situation

Garcia starts in the VFL unfortunately but that’s the reality of having good depth. Boxshall starts on a wing where he really cemented himself late this year, or in the VFL depending on praccies etc. Wilson probably gets eased into the midfield as the season goes on bc there’s no need to rush him in atm especially since he can be so damaging on the outside already

post-Christmas training will tell us more
Click to expand...
This sounds about right.

Macrae will see plenty of the middle. His size will be needed.
 
Saints4ever said:
I’ll have a crack and would love to get your opinion also.

Biggest impact from Traded in players.
1- TDK with the new ruck rules I believe his leap will be a huge asset and we will be able to be aggressive and get first use out of the centre.
2- Flanders will be huge for us. So clean at ground level and I believe he’s the A grade mid we’ve been crying out for. If he’s fit and his back holds up a fit Flanders will be in our top 5 players.

2 youngsters going to another level.
1- Hugo Garcia clearly has the hunger and drive with a massive competitive spirit. Give enough mid minutes I expect him to go to another level.
2- Darcy Wilson looks extremely fit and has put on some good size over the off season. With his extra bulk I can see his contested game going to another level.
*Also wouldn’t be surprised to see Phillipou take it to another level if he gets an injury free run at it.
2 established or fringe players
1- Marcus Windhager is established in the best 22 and I have a really strong feeling he will be taking it to another level next year. Like Hugo he’s clearly hungry and driven for success.
2- Fringe player to take it to another level Jack Carroll. I believe if he’s fit he will play a big roll of half back in 2026 and be very successful at it.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
Of the 4 traded in players i think TDK & Flanders will impact the most, with both set to hit their prime.

Of the youngsters i think Tauru and Wilson can become very influential..Tauru is now stronger & is having his first full preseason, Wilson just looks super fit and hungry.
I'm also bullish about Banfield and Fincher but they won't play regularly yet!

Of the established players the obvious one is Windy, his ball handling and kicking looks tidier now, those combined with his relentless attack on the pill should elevate him.
Jack Carroll is my smokey for a regular game off half back, with his pace & penetrating kicking a stand out at training.
***special mention to Nas and Hally who i believe will elevate themselves further again.
 

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Windtagger said:
I hope Owens takes it to the next level next year. Love watching him play and hope he develops into a fully fledged St Kilda cult player.
Click to expand...


Owens and Windhager are both at that point where they hit absolute peak consistency and quality.
 
akaifu said:
Going off training the starting midfield come opening round barring injuries will be NWM (Striker), Windy (defensive mid), Flanders (engine two-way runner)

Haven’t seen Macrae in action yet this pre-season but I assume he plays the same role he played late this year as the 65-70% TOG 4th mid - the classic Clark role

Hall and I assume Pou rotate as the high half forward stoppage mid and will get varying CBAs depending on in-game situation

Garcia starts in the VFL unfortunately but that’s the reality of having good depth. Boxshall starts on a wing where he really cemented himself late this year, or in the VFL depending on praccies etc. Wilson probably gets eased into the midfield as the season goes on bc there’s no need to rush him in atm especially since he can be so damaging on the outside already

post-Christmas training will tell us more
Click to expand...


I think Hugo is more likely than Boxshall. Windy probably plays a wing role, Hugo on ball.
 
Ads734 said:
Question but what is our starting midfield in rd 1 and the mid rotations
1. Naz
2. McRae
3. Flanders
4. Windhager
5. Hall
5. Pou
6. Garcia
7. Wilson
8. Boxhall

My query is where does Windy start , Bench , HB , Wing ?

My thoughts are

Starting mids are
TDK
  • Naz
  • Ned
  • McRae

First rotations are
Windy and hall
Next Garcia Pou
Click to expand...
agree on starting mids,windy starts on wing before honing in on naicos/viney/callaghan/mccluggage and so on,garcia absoloutely a first rotation
 
Does anyone know when the players return to training? Based on a few years ago I’d predict Wednesday, January 7th but does anyone know for sure?

And for pre-season are the big sessions still Mondays and Wednesdays approx 9:30am start?

Hoping to get to a few over the coming weeks, and enjoy writing a bit of a report when I go.
 
gringo2011 said:
I'm still bullish about King too. I think his knee scrape should let him get back early in the season and make a difference.
Click to expand...
Agree with this.

Sounds like they were trying to make a decision (surgery) with his best interests of life after footy.

Seems that’s failed and with the last procedure, it’s a quick fix and
the knee will degenerate faster - knee replacement after footy.

Hope to god he is running after the new year!
 
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