Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[bombersboy]

Reckon for uncapped players Hofmann looks closest to it

With a full pre season let's hope he's ready to go. Looks a great size. A running half back interceptor with pace at 191 cms. I like it. Competition for spots apart from the talls could be hot.

 

[The rabbi]

Considering he'd be barely 2 months post surgery, I'd be surprised if he was doing any serious training this side of Xmas

Yep, probably gym work with no real load-bearing on the injured foot.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Yep, probably gym work with no real load-bearing on the injured foot.

Given the history with Conway I think we'd all be feeling better if we saw him running around and doing a few drills this side of Christmas. Drafted in 2021 - now has an extended contract through to the end of 2027. In 4 seasons he's played just 6 AFL games and a total of 20 VFL games. So lets say 26 games from a possible total of around 100.

In those 20 VFL games he's only managed to clock up 100 fantasy points on 3 occasions - a number of those remaining 17 games it's likely he was unable to run out a full game.

He has a very high ceiling and I'm sure the club maintains that it has a 200 game ruckman in the making. But for a whole lot of reasons, 2026 is shaping as a very pivotal season for both Conway and the club. Fingers crossed for the big fella, but I'd be lying if I said I was even close to being cautiously optimistic.

 

[BORIS332]

Given the history with Conway I think we'd all be feeling better if we saw him running around and doing a few drills this side of Christmas. Drafted in 2021 - now has an extended contract through to the end of 2027. In 4 seasons he's played just 6 AFL games and a total of 20 VFL games. So lets say 26 games from a possible total of around 100.

In those 20 VFL games he's only managed to clock up 100 fantasy points on 3 occasions - a number of those remaining 17 games it's likely he was unable to run out a full game.

He has a very high ceiling and I'm sure the club maintains that it has a 200 game ruckman in the making. But for a whole lot of reasons, 2026 is shaping as a very pivotal season for both Conway and the club. Fingers crossed for the big fella, but I'd be lying if I said I was even close to being cautiously optimistic.

Conway is still only 22. There's tons of guys like Gawn and Xerri that didn't hit their straps until 24/25 years of age.

 

[Jumping Jack]

Conway is still only 22. There's tons of guys like Gawn and Xerri that didn't hit their straps until 24/25 years of age.

Agree, although hitting your straps at 24-25 would generally also mean that you've built up a sustained body of work that allows you to withstand the rigors of AFL football and playing in arguably the most physically demanding role on the ground.

I'm seat 1A on the Conway train but I pray we see a breakout year and 15+ games and a young bloke who shows signs of being able to have an influence on the game. We are gradually building midfield depth (and bigger bodies) to go up against the best - an A Grade ruckman would be a big plus.

 

[goyoucatters]

Worpel looks like hes in really good nick. Hopefully he gets back to his best. Hoffman too.

I want to see Clark do nothing but run this pre season.

I was hoping Bucks would do the honours, actually, Each to their own, I guess.

 

[BORIS332]

Agree, although hitting your straps at 24-25 would generally also mean that you've built up a sustained body of work that allows you to withstand the rigors of AFL football and playing in arguably the most physically demanding role on the ground.

I'm seat 1A on the Conway train but I pray we see a breakout year and 15+ games and a young bloke who shows signs of being able to have an influence on the game. We are gradually building midfield depth (and bigger bodies) to go up against the best - an A Grade ruckman would be a big plus.

I like Conway, but my eggs are in the Mitch Edwards basket.

 

[cats_09]

 

[IMCat]

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

I like Conway, but my eggs are in the Mitch Edwards basket.

With the last touch rule you would think athletic bigs like Edwards and Blitz would be more valuable - I think we will favour this type of ruck and back them to play as mids between the arcs and be link up/ marking targets.

 

[cats_09]

Plus

 

[Catman]

That scar down Jez's forearm.

 

[MisterMarcus]

I like Conway, but my eggs are in the Mitch Edwards basket.

The eggs need to go down Mitch Edwards' gullet, not in his basket...

 

[CatToTheFuture]

The eggs need to go down Mitch Edwards' gullet, not in his basket...

Mitch if you're reading this don't skip the fibre when doing this

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Conway is still only 22. There's tons of guys like Gawn and Xerri that didn't hit their straps until 24/25 years of age.

That's true but hes entering Dawson Simpson areas of non durability.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Only a minor trackwatcher update…

Time trial was more of the same from past few years with Dempsey again winning (“smashing his PB”) followed by Gryan and then Knevitt.

On Mitch I am so hopeful (this is not from trackwatcher just my own personal wish!!) that he turns his running and size into a breakout year that I hoped for last year. On paper it seems harder (Worpel, Tanner new ins and fighting Clark maybe). Mitch just adds something those guys dont. To be honest I can’t quite figure out why he didn’t make the wing work given his size and obvious endurance? Understand he is an inside mid but feel like those attributes suit wing too?

Other than that everyone is “flying” except a couple of niggles with Clark, Tanner etc

Only other whisper I hear is that the assistants may mix it up a bit…in terms of roles…

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Only a minor trackwatcher update…

Time trial was more of the same from past few years with Dempsey again winning (“smashing his PB”) followed by Gryan and then Knevitt.

On Mitch I am so hopeful (this is not from trackwatcher just my own personal wish!!) that he turns his running and size into a breakout year that I hoped for last year. On paper it seems harder (Worpel, Tanner new ins and fighting Clark maybe). Mitch just adds something those guys dont. To be honest I can’t quite figure out why he didn’t make the wing work given his size and obvious endurance? Understand he is an inside mid but feel like those attributes suit wing too?

Other than that everyone is “flying” except a couple of niggles with Clark, Tanner etc

Only other whisper I hear is that the assistants may mix it up a bit…in terms of roles…

Interesting. Do we think it'll be anything extraordinary, or more of something that we expect? (E.g Atkins to defence, Worpel and Bruhn into the midfield).

Saddened to here of Clark and Bruhn. I know it's only niggles, and they'll be fine in a couple weeks I assume, but these sessions are so crucial for those two in particular with their endurance (or lack thereof).

It feels like we've had the same discussions regarding both of them every year since they arrived. Hopefully '26 is the year it changes.

 

[Mr Meow]

Given the history with Conway I think we'd all be feeling better if we saw him running around and doing a few drills this side of Christmas. Drafted in 2021 - now has an extended contract through to the end of 2027. In 4 seasons he's played just 6 AFL games and a total of 20 VFL games. So lets say 26 games from a possible total of around 100.

In those 20 VFL games he's only managed to clock up 100 fantasy points on 3 occasions - a number of those remaining 17 games it's likely he was unable to run out a full game.

He has a very high ceiling and I'm sure the club maintains that it has a 200 game ruckman in the making. But for a whole lot of reasons, 2026 is shaping as a very pivotal season for both Conway and the club. Fingers crossed for the big fella, but I'd be lying if I said I was even close to being cautiously optimistic.

I'd feel better if he does whatever his rehab programme advises him, rather than the sugar hit of seeing him run around a track before a self imposed arbitrary deadline.

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Only a minor trackwatcher update…

Time trial was more of the same from past few years with Dempsey again winning (“smashing his PB”) followed by Gryan and then Knevitt.

On Mitch I am so hopeful (this is not from trackwatcher just my own personal wish!!) that he turns his running and size into a breakout year that I hoped for last year. On paper it seems harder (Worpel, Tanner new ins and fighting Clark maybe). Mitch just adds something those guys dont. To be honest I can’t quite figure out why he didn’t make the wing work given his size and obvious endurance? Understand he is an inside mid but feel like those attributes suit wing too?

Other than that everyone is “flying” except a couple of niggles with Clark, Tanner etc

Only other whisper I hear is that the assistants may mix it up a bit…in terms of roles…

CHAWKS2 IS IN THE HOUSE

WE ARE SO BACK BABY!

 

[CatToTheFuture]

I'd feel better if he does whatever his rehab programme advises him, rather than the sugar hit of seeing him run around a track before a self imposed arbitrary deadline.

You would unsuited to a career in politics or soviet aerospace then

 

[Mr Meow]

You would unsuited to a career in politics or soviet aerospace then

This all but confirms you were part of the committee that dismissed me as the head of Roscosmos in 2022.

 

[00VicWard001]

Reckon for uncapped players Hofmann looks closest to it

They said that last year how he hit the ground running, and then he got injured. With our backline having a few injuries, he definitely would have had a debut last year I feel.

 

[Willo_]

Only a minor trackwatcher update…

Time trial was more of the same from past few years with Dempsey again winning (“smashing his PB”) followed by Gryan and then Knevitt.

On Mitch I am so hopeful (this is not from trackwatcher just my own personal wish!!) that he turns his running and size into a breakout year that I hoped for last year. On paper it seems harder (Worpel, Tanner new ins and fighting Clark maybe). Mitch just adds something those guys dont. To be honest I can’t quite figure out why he didn’t make the wing work given his size and obvious endurance? Understand he is an inside mid but feel like those attributes suit wing too?

Other than that everyone is “flying” except a couple of niggles with Clark, Tanner etc

Only other whisper I hear is that the assistants may mix it up a bit…in terms of roles…

It could also just simply be that Knev isn't good enough, that happens


Also do you have any idea who the hell i would have seen in a knee brace on Friday? I wanna say left leg... dark hair, but i didn't have a really good look as I was trying not to be too obvious, and they were from the Cats shop counter to the front doors away from me.. And i am old these days, the eyes aren't as sharp as they were. I spotted Tall Toby easily as he is about 15 foot tall so stands out and easy to recognise

 

[Tony Barber]

It could also just simply be that Knev isn't good enough, that happens


Also do you have any idea who the hell i would have seen in a knee brace on Friday? I wanna say left leg... dark hair, but i didn't have a really good look as I was trying not to be too obvious, and they were from the Cats shop counter to the front doors away from me.. And i am old these days, the eyes aren't as sharp as they were. I spotted Tall Toby easily as he is about 15 foot tall so stands out and easy to recognise

Pffftttt, you're no on the spot reporter.

You should have walked over and in your best chopper voice said "What's going on with you? It looks like you've done yourself a mischief".

 

[CHAWKS2]

Interesting. Do we think it'll be anything extraordinary, or more of something that we expect? (E.g Atkins to defence, Worpel and Bruhn into the midfield).

Saddened to here of Clark and Bruhn. I know it's only niggles, and they'll be fine in a couple weeks I assume, but these sessions are so crucial for those two in particular with their endurance (or lack thereof).

It feels like we've had the same discussions regarding both of them every year since they arrived. Hopefully '26 is the year it changes.

In terms of anything unexpected I suppose by definition it is difficult to predict! Often these things aren't really planned and just evolve I think (Holmes from wing to defence sort of happened in experiment pre season, Dempsey from forward to wing was due to last minute injury in Adelaide, SDK to ruck due to injury).

Obviously Danger forward was a plan but most of the other recent changes seem to be more organic. I do think with a new mid field coach we may get some experiments in pre season (even just to try out the mix). Dempsey might get a look in CBA (personally I reckon best one more year on the wing but depending on mix they may see him balance out others?), and then yes I reckon they will try various "small" defenders...as I think that is potentially a weakness. Maybe they saw enough from Clark late to make that plan A?

I suppose the other thing we look for each year is that player that none of us really pick as best 23 in the start of the year. off top of my head it was SDK in 22, Dempsey in 24 (with Humphries coming late) and COS in 25 (did I miss one in 2023 or just bad year all-round!). The only possibility I reckon this year could be Lenny? Others have followed him more but he seems to have X factor in a part of the ground we have a weakness. Others (polk, Witchire etc) all have too battle no open spots...

In terms of clark and tanner - your observations are correct. this is pretty normal so in that sense not a great concern but we don't want it carrying into the new year