Training 2026 Off-Season & Preseason reports and discussion

[Alite]

Really insightful interview. Good to hear Ratten's comments regarding Greeves and Hustwaite.
I can see Greeves debuting at some stage but could be a lot earlier than expected by many.
Looks like he is tracking really well, has dropped weight which he needed to do which in turn will help with his running capacity and getting his endurance up.
Ratten seems to think he might be ready to go early.
Hustwaite has a big chance this year to prove he is not just a VFL player. I'm hoping he really steps up and grabs his chance. Apart from speed he has all the right tools to make it, Like McKenzie just needs a run of games to get his confidence up.
Time to stand up, no bigger chance then now.

I really loved what Ratten said about Greeves. As you say, Very insightful. What parts of his comments did you like the most?

 

[I got the outside word]

Or, and I'm just hypothesising, your daughter misses half of school?

Some people have some skewed priorities.

 

[Gohawks16]

I really loved what Ratten said about Greeves. As you say, Very insightful. What parts of his comments did you like the most?

 

[Gohawks16]

I think just to mention Greeves right off the bat when he was asked how the draftees are going sounds very promising.. Considering there were 4 players drafted ahead of him gives me the impression that he has impressed the Hawks so far.

He went straight to praising Greeves and gave the impression that he might be playing early.
When he trained with the Hawks before the start of 2025 l read that the Hawks players really liked him and Ratts also saying he is a great young guy says a lot about his attitude.

 

[Gohawks16]

I really loved what Ratten said about Greeves. As you say, Very insightful. What parts of his comments did you like the most?

I did reply but just posted it as a normal comment, just above this reply.

 

[cryptor]

Personally I prefer Wedds out in space on the wing where he has room to run.

Or playing as a high forward where he can provide a marking target around the ground.

Quick hands and decision making in tight aren't really his strengths (that I have seen anyway).

I also like him out in space, but worth seeing how he goes in the guts if that's where the coaches think he could help. If it works out then it's huge.

 

[Simon Crawshay]

I also like him out in space, but worth seeing how he goes in the guts if that's where the coaches think he could help. If it works out then it's huge.

Be an interesting experiment to see how it goes but I’m just not sure it plays to his strengths.

For me the one position I’d love to see him try is as an old fashioned roaming Centre Half Forward.

He’s become an elite mark over his head and he loves to kick a goal. Combine that with his enormous tank and i think he’d be an absolute weapon in that role.

 

[ReturningHawk]

Be an interesting experiment to see how it goes but I’m just not sure it plays to his strengths.

For me the one position I’d love to see him try is as an old fashioned roaming Centre Half Forward.

He’s become an elite mark over his head and he loves to kick a goal. Combine that with his enormous tank and i think he’d be an absolute weapon in that role.

I completely agree. All of the best elements of Josh’s game would be curbed as a starting midfielder. I think he’ll just roll through like Wiz and Moore. They are aces we’ll keep up our sleeve and likely deploy a little differently each week.

 

[marklar]

I completely agree. All of the best elements of Josh’s game would be curbed as a starting midfielder.

We had ultimate success in 2013-2015 with effective utilisation of Brad Hill running up the ground and back all game. Give him license to run and use his strength to his and our advantage!

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[killerspud]

His eyes are still too close together to be taken seriously

 

[kazzooka]

While it is heavily exposed up on the hill with not much around to break the wind. The last few weeks have been particularly windy here in Dingley so I wouldn't expect it to be an issue at every session.

 

[Atch]

Does anyone know when the Torquay pre season camp kicks off?

 

[Roddy]

Apologies for being a smidgeon behind the times, but is Greeves considered a pure mid? Inside ball winner?

 

[bs12]

Does anyone know when the Torquay pre season camp kicks off?

Next week down in Torquay 27th 28th 29th, and sessions at Deakin 27th 29th

 

[libbylou]

It is windy everywhere lately kazzooka.

 

[peetoo]

Hence the big indoor space

MCG has swirly wind which was an advantage for the hawks in 2013 gf

Need to be able to handle various conditions

 

[ahhhhhh]

 

[TylerDurden]

 

[TylerDurden]

Has kicked 3.

 

[ahhhhhh]

This is his tweet which excites me the most.

 

[chippie]

Everytime I see Cooper in our colours my heart flutters- let's hope he feels at home!
(Let's also hope the bloke I'm looking at IS Cooper)

It’s Cooper alright. I’ve seen him in a Lions jumper and he looks SO much better in a Hawks one!!

 

[eaglevision]

Any track watchers that can comment on how your draftees are looking? Would have loved Dalton and Schubert at the Eagles.

Dalton’s disposal by foot and hurt factor were the main modifiable knocks coming into the draft, I presume Mitchell would have spent considerable time working on these with him.

 

[stemline]

Morrison reportedly pulled up sore on Monday. Is he out there today / training ok?

 

[Atch]

Next week down in Torquay 27th 28th 29th, and sessions at Deakin 27th 29th

Thanks bs12