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Training 2026 Pre Season Training Thread

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I caught the beginning of training this morning. Not a lot to report that isn't captured in the photos above.

Kyle and Chamberlain were there. Kyle looks incredibly fresh faced compared to all the senior boys, as you can see in the photos.

I said g'day to Mal(ceski) and said we're rapt to have him back. I asked him if he was missing Queensland (on account of the cool, blustery and wet weather) and he said only his wife and kids who are still up there. I said what's the plan with them and he said they've sold up and are all moving to Sydney later this year.

There were a number of senior players present but not all the same ones as last week - e.g. Heeney was absent but Toms McCartin and Papley were there. The group seemed to be in good spirits, although I think they are expected to do that to build good morale and just to make it enjoyable for all.

They started off with some light warm up jogs -> sprints and stretches and then started some basic kicking drills. A few of them looked a little rusty with their kicking, missing their target about 30 metres away and fumbling balls. Curnow looked good.

And then I had to go.
 
Callipygian said:
I caught the beginning of training this morning. Not a lot to report that isn't captured in the photos above.

Kyle and Chamberlain were there. Kyle looks incredibly fresh faced compared to all the senior boys, as you can see in the photos.

I said g'day to Mal(ceski) and said we're rapt to have him back. I asked him if he was missing Queensland (on account of the cool, blustery and wet weather) and he said only his wife and kids who are still up there. I said what's the plan with them and he said they've sold up and are all moving to Sydney later this year.

There were a number of senior players present but not all the same ones as last week - e.g. Heeney was absent but Toms McCartin and Papley were there. The group seemed to be in good spirits, although I think they are expected to do that to build good morale and just to make it enjoyable for all.

They started off with some light warm up jogs -> sprints and stretches and then started some basic kicking drills. A few of them looked a little rusty with their kicking, missing their target about 30 metres away and fumbling balls. Curnow looked good.

And then I had to go.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the report, this type of information is great for those who cannot get up there.

From all reports Curnow is a very hard trainer.
 
Callipygian said:
I caught the beginning of training this morning. Not a lot to report that isn't captured in the photos above.

Kyle and Chamberlain were there. Kyle looks incredibly fresh faced compared to all the senior boys, as you can see in the photos.

I said g'day to Mal(ceski) and said we're rapt to have him back. I asked him if he was missing Queensland (on account of the cool, blustery and wet weather) and he said only his wife and kids who are still up there. I said what's the plan with them and he said they've sold up and are all moving to Sydney later this year.

There were a number of senior players present but not all the same ones as last week - e.g. Heeney was absent but Toms McCartin and Papley were there. The group seemed to be in good spirits, although I think they are expected to do that to build good morale and just to make it enjoyable for all.

They started off with some light warm up jogs -> sprints and stretches and then started some basic kicking drills. A few of them looked a little rusty with their kicking, missing their target about 30 metres away and fumbling balls. Curnow looked good.

And then I had to go.
Click to expand...
Still at Bat and Ball?
 

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Top 5 in the seniors 2k time trial

1. Llyod
2. Heeney
3. McLean
4. Rampe
5. Gulden

Killer result by McLean, his put in a tonne of work so far this pre-season. But also seriously impressive by Heeney (Who I don't think is usually on the podium for these ones).

Llyod isn't going to die wondering with his career and is obviously still putting in the yards.
 
Bonz said:
Top 5 in the seniors 2k time trial

1. Llyod
2. Heeney
3. McLean
4. Rampe
5. Gulden

Killer result by McLean, his put in a tonne of work so far this pre-season. But also seriously impressive by Heeney (Who I don't think is usually on the podium for these ones).

Llyod isn't going to die wondering with his career and is obviously still putting in the yards.
Click to expand...
So was it just the returning players ?
 
Bonz said:
Top 5 in the seniors 2k time trial

1. Llyod
2. Heeney
3. McLean
4. Rampe
5. Gulden

Killer result by McLean, his put in a tonne of work so far this pre-season. But also seriously impressive by Heeney (Who I don't think is usually on the podium for these ones).

Llyod isn't going to die wondering with his career and is obviously still putting in the yards.
Click to expand...
Hopefully Mclean has also worked on his ability to move in a 3 dimensional space. Need 2023 Mclean back.
 
Well, the time trial was held this morning. Not everyone participated.

There were some who didn't participate at all (e.g. Tom McCartin - he was also on the sidelines on Friday so I guess he's rehabbing something or other but also Noah Chamberlain, not sure why in his case).

There was Logan McDonald who was doing straight line running on his ownsome - I think he's still a way off full fitness. Considering he's been out since 2024 it's both a worry and disappointing that he doesn't get to his the start of pre-season primed and ready to go. He looked a bit out of shape.

There was a group that did separate running exercises on the sidelines (this included Max King, Riley Bice, Will Green, Will Edwards, Corey Warner, Patrick Snell, Caiden Cleary and a couple of others, maybe Hetherton?). I'm curious why they were separate. Maybe because they did it already two weeks ago and got a pass.

Then there were the guys who ran the time trial. They were divided into two groups and started a minute apart. The fastest runners were in the first group.

It was a close finish. The winner was Lloyd. A few close behind including Heeney, Rampe and Errol. The runners included Harry Kyle, Jev Phillipou and Billy Cootee. Harry finished just in front of Braeden Campbell and Billy Cootee just behind. Telling that Lloyd and Rampe were right at the top - they are pros and setting the standards.

Surprisingly Juzzy McInerney was near the back (although well in front of last). I thought he was an elite runner - what gives?

Brodie Grundy was one of the last to finish but it sounded like he ran a PB.

Most of the faster players who ran completed in about 6.10-6.30. I was very impressed to see that Charlie Curnow was in this group! The very slowest finisher was closer to 7.30.

I assume the club will post some video of the first finishers later today and Adnico26Parker will be on to it in a flash.

I thought I saw McNamara watching on the sidelines (maybe with his dad??) but I'm not too sure. If so, suggests to me he came close to being rookied and maybe missed out because we snaffled Hetherton.

I doubt I'll give you any better scoops than this this season. Enjoy!
 
Callipygian said:
Well, the time trial was held this morning. Not everyone participated.

There were some who didn't participate at all (e.g. Tom McCartin - he was also on the sidelines on Friday so I guess he's rehabbing something or other but also Noah Chamberlain, not sure why in his case).

There was Logan McDonald who was doing straight line running on his ownsome - I think he's still a way off full fitness. Considering he's been out since 2024 it's both a worry and disappointing that he doesn't get to his the start of pre-season primed and ready to go. He looked a bit out of shape.

There was a group that did separate running exercises on the sidelines (this included Max King, Riley Bice, Will Green, Will Edwards, Corey Warner, Patrick Snell, Caiden Cleary and a couple of others, maybe Hetherton?). I'm curious why they were separate. Maybe because they did it already two weeks ago and got a pass.

Then there were the guys who ran the time trial. They were divided into two groups and started a minute apart. The fastest runners were in the first group.

It was a close finish. The winner was Lloyd. A few close behind including Heeney, Rampe and Errol. The runners included Harry Kyle, Jev Phillipou and Billy Cootee. Harry finished just in front of Braeden Campbell and Billy Cootee just behind. Telling that Lloyd and Rampe were right at the top - they are pros and setting the standards.

Surprisingly Juzzy McInerney was near the back (although well in front of last). I thought he was an elite runner - what gives?

Brodie Grundy was one of the last to finish but it sounded like he ran a PB.

Most of the faster players who ran completed in about 6.10-6.30. I was very impressed to see that Charlie Curnow was in this group! The very slowest finisher was closer to 7.30.

I assume the club will post some video of the first finishers later today and Adnico26Parker will be on to it in a flash.

I thought I saw McNamara watching on the sidelines (maybe with his dad??) but I'm not too sure. If so, suggests to me he came close to being rookied and maybe missed out because we snaffled Hetherton.

I doubt I'll give you any better scoops than this this season. Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Aggravating news re Mcdonald, just don't get it anymore at this stage, he's basically a background ornament - if he is unable to train fully by christmas then he's in trouble i think and that would be a massive dampener for us.

Re Mcinerney - he would've needed to spend a fair chunk of time immobilised following his injury so not surprised if his fitness has wavered a bit - but if we're talking a difference of 30 seconds then it ain't anything to be concerned about he'll be cherry ripe by round 1.
 

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zyzzbruh said:
Aggravating news re Mcdonald, just don't get it anymore at this stage, he's basically a background ornament - if he is unable to train fully by christmas then he's in trouble i think and that would be a massive dampener for us.

Re Mcinerney - he would've needed to spend a fair chunk of time immobilised following his injury so not surprised if his fitness has wavered a bit - but if we're talking a difference of 30 seconds then it ain't anything to be concerned about he'll be cherry ripe by round 1.
Click to expand...

McDonald has been taking park in the previous weeks training and done a fair bit of work with Bill Knowles (Trainer we have brought in).

Likely this is around his load management (The Swans have been very happy with his physical development as well).

We have also been piling some weight on him so he may not be quite as lean as usual (Although McKirdy mentioned he was looking fit literally a week ago). That will occur over the pre-season.
 
zyzzbruh said:
Aggravating news re Mcdonald, just don't get it anymore at this stage, he's basically a background ornament - if he is unable to train fully by christmas then he's in trouble i think and that would be a massive dampener for us.

Re Mcinerney - he would've needed to spend a fair chunk of time immobilised following his injury so not surprised if his fitness has wavered a bit - but if we're talking a difference of 30 seconds then it ain't anything to be concerned about he'll be cherry ripe by round 1.
Click to expand...
Surely theyre both given the same leeway based on their different injuries. Its clear that Logan is doing the work at the rate thats been deemed important to his long term well being. Hes obviously being treated carefully and thoughtfully in terms of load etc. After all his time are we more interested in rushing him or getting him right whether thats to have him start playing a little later im ok with that. Hes a prized possesion.
 
joeykanga said:
Surely theyre both given the same leeway based on their different injuries. Its clear that Logan is doing the work at the rate thats been deemed important to his long term well being. Hes obviously being treated carefully and thoughtfully in terms of load etc. After all his time are we more interested in rushing him or getting him right whether thats to have him start playing a little later im ok with that. Hes a prized possesion.
Click to expand...
More than happy for him to be managed appropriately, it's just frustrating that he is being deemed unable to train fully yet is all, thought he was past the rehab stage.
 
Callipygian said:
Well, the time trial was held this morning. Not everyone participated.

There were some who didn't participate at all (e.g. Tom McCartin - he was also on the sidelines on Friday so I guess he's rehabbing something or other but also Noah Chamberlain, not sure why in his case).

There was Logan McDonald who was doing straight line running on his ownsome - I think he's still a way off full fitness. Considering he's been out since 2024 it's both a worry and disappointing that he doesn't get to his the start of pre-season primed and ready to go. He looked a bit out of shape.

There was a group that did separate running exercises on the sidelines (this included Max King, Riley Bice, Will Green, Will Edwards, Corey Warner, Patrick Snell, Caiden Cleary and a couple of others, maybe Hetherton?). I'm curious why they were separate. Maybe because they did it already two weeks ago and got a pass.

Then there were the guys who ran the time trial. They were divided into two groups and started a minute apart. The fastest runners were in the first group.

It was a close finish. The winner was Lloyd. A few close behind including Heeney, Rampe and Errol. The runners included Harry Kyle, Jev Phillipou and Billy Cootee. Harry finished just in front of Braeden Campbell and Billy Cootee just behind. Telling that Lloyd and Rampe were right at the top - they are pros and setting the standards.

Surprisingly Juzzy McInerney was near the back (although well in front of last). I thought he was an elite runner - what gives?

Brodie Grundy was one of the last to finish but it sounded like he ran a PB.

Most of the faster players who ran completed in about 6.10-6.30. I was very impressed to see that Charlie Curnow was in this group! The very slowest finisher was closer to 7.30.

I assume the club will post some video of the first finishers later today and Adnico26Parker will be on to it in a flash.

I thought I saw McNamara watching on the sidelines (maybe with his dad??) but I'm not too sure. If so, suggests to me he came close to being rookied and maybe missed out because we snaffled Hetherton.

I doubt I'll give you any better scoops than this this season. Enjoy!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the write-up, some really great information here.

Some of my own thoughts (reading this as a S&C coach).

Players missing out of the trial
  • Likely due to load management, most players within the club will have different S&C programs to each other.
  • You generally don't rush draftee's, allow them to build up and not overtrain (there can be exceptions to this rule).

Logan Mcdonald
- His already had an extended pre-season, but likely focusing on different areas outside of endurance/ gut running (Size, Mobility and then Ankle strength), this will be by design for his long term (Bill Knowles is world leading for a reason).

6:10-6:30 is an EXCEPTIONAL time for a 2k time trial (For most athletes), I know there was a focus on running last pre-season so this can be carry over from last year (ideally with strengthened muscles that are more used to the load).

Wouldn't surprise me if McNamara is given a train on spot (Can be a replacement in case of long term injury), really glad to read he is involved still.
 

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zyzzbruh said:
More than happy for him to be managed appropriately, it's just frustrating that he is being deemed unable to train fully yet is all, thought he was past the rehab stage.
Click to expand...

He probably is able to train fully (and has been training over the last few weeks).

They are likely just doing specialised work with him Eg: Combining weights/bulk building with mobility so his body gets used to it, this will allow the body to build up gradually and they increase his load over time to reduce stress related injuries.

This was similar to the process Adelaide have done with Thilthorpe btw and is very common in the NFL.
 
Bonz said:
Thanks for the write-up, some really great information here.

Some of my own thoughts (reading this as a S&C coach).

Players missing out of the trial
  • Likely due to load management, most players within the club will have different S&C programs to each other.
  • You generally don't rush draftee's, allow them to build up and not overtrain (there can be exceptions to this rule).

Logan Mcdonald
- His already had an extended pre-season, but likely focusing on different areas outside of endurance/ gut running (Size, Mobility and then Ankle strength), this will be by design for his long term (Bill Knowles is world leading for a reason).

6:10-6:30 is an EXCEPTIONAL time for a 2k time trial (For most athletes), I know there was a focus on running last pre-season so this can be carry over from last year (ideally with strengthened muscles that are more used to the load).

Wouldn't surprise me if McNamara is given a train on spot (Can be a replacement in case of long term injury), really glad to read he is involved still.
Click to expand...
I dunno about the load management thing. A 2k time trial is stuff all, it's basically 5 laps around the oval. It could have easily been managed into his training program if he truly is as fit as what is being made out.
 
zyzzbruh said:
I dunno about the load management thing. A 2k time trial is stuff all, it's basically 5 laps around the oval. It could have easily been managed into his training program if he truly is as fit as what is being made out.
Click to expand...

When you get to sport at that level, load management really does become this particular.

Depending on what workouts his done yesterday or even this morning a 8 minute high intensity run can change the benefits from it (even just 1-2% makes a difference).
 
Bonz said:
Thanks for the write-up, some really great information here.

Some of my own thoughts (reading this as a S&C coach).

Players missing out of the trial
  • Likely due to load management, most players within the club will have different S&C programs to each other.
  • You generally don't rush draftee's, allow them to build up and not overtrain (there can be exceptions to this rule).

Logan Mcdonald
- His already had an extended pre-season, but likely focusing on different areas outside of endurance/ gut running (Size, Mobility and then Ankle strength), this will be by design for his long term (Bill Knowles is world leading for a reason).

6:10-6:30 is an EXCEPTIONAL time for a 2k time trial (For most athletes), I know there was a focus on running last pre-season so this can be carry over from last year (ideally with strengthened muscles that are more used to the load).

Wouldn't surprise me if McNamara is given a train on spot (Can be a replacement in case of long term injury), really glad to read he is involved still.
Click to expand...

I don't have a clear idea of what's fast and what isn't. I know that 6:10-6:30 is elite for potential draftees in the draft combine etc. But the quickest are under 6:00 and I imagined as seasoned full time pros they would get quicker (especially the ones that start off slower).

Also, who knows how precisely they have measured what is basically a cross-country course and whether the distance definitely is 2km.
 
Last edited:

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