Training 2026 Preseason

[David Bubb]

As former Dockers defender [PLAYERCARD]Zac Dawson[/PLAYERCARD] watched on, plenty of eyes were on how [PLAYERCARD]Luke Jackson[/PLAYERCARD], [PLAYERCARD]Sean Darcy[/PLAYERCARD] and [PLAYERCARD]Mason Cox[/PLAYERCARD] were positioned at centre square set-ups. Get the latest from the track here!

Jackson intrigue​

[PLAYERCARD]Luke Jackson[/PLAYERCARD]’s role was one of the most fascinating parts of Fremantle training as the Dockers worked on their centre square set ups. Jackson had a superb season as Fremantle’s first choice ruckman while also spending time as a midfielder. But the arrival of [PLAYERCARD]Mason Cox[/PLAYERCARD] has given the Dockers another established ruckman. That meant Jackson was training to be an onballer, while Cox, [PLAYERCARD]Sean Darcy[/PLAYERCARD], Aiden Riddle and SSP hopeful Zac Harding did the centre square ruck duties.

Jackson was in the middle with [PLAYERCARD]Caleb Serong[/PLAYERCARD], [PLAYERCARD]Andrew Brayshaw[/PLAYERCARD], [PLAYERCARD]Hayden Young[/PLAYERCARD], Jaeger O’Meara and Corey Wagner. [PLAYERCARD]Shai Bolton[/PLAYERCARD] was training as forward while Matt Johnson, Neil Erasmus and Nathan O’Driscoll worked on the wing. Will Jackson become a pure midfielder at centre bounces in 2026? All eyes will remain on him throughout the summer.

Dudley lights it up​

Isaiah Dudley had an impressive debut season but knows there is plenty of competition for his position as a small forward, particularly given how the Dockers targeted those types of players at the draft. Dudley sent the coaches a reminder of how damaging he can be while applying forward pressure with two sensational efforts. First he gave Cooper Simpson absolutely nowhere to go when he got the ball and left the youngster floundering. Then he applied a fantastic chase on [PLAYERCARD]Bailey Banfield[/PLAYERCARD] later in the session which forced a turnover.

Banfield questions​

[PLAYERCARD]Bailey Banfield[/PLAYERCARD] started the session as a defender, which isn’t a shock given that’s where he played last season. But one his biggest qualities is an ability to play anywhere. Banfield has also been a forward and a wingman during his AFL career. So while most players spend the pre-season honing their craft on their main role, Banfield is moving around. Half way through the session, Banfield became a forward. Where will he play in 2026? He might just play everywhere.

Familiar face​

Former Dockers defender [PLAYERCARD]Zac Dawson[/PLAYERCARD] made a surprise appearance at Fremantle HQ on Monday. Dawson moved back to Victoria at the end of an AFL career that saw him play for the Dockers, St Kilda and Hawthorn across 166 games and four grand finals. His last game for Fremantle was in 2017. Dawson was in Perth for business and stopped by the club to watch the team train.

There are barely any of his former teammates still playing for the club but plenty of staff remain and that were thrilled to see him as he received a warm welcome back to the club.

 

[chaosball32]

Banfield is moving around. Half way through the session, Banfield became a forward. Where will he play in 2026? He might just play everywhere.

I can see him playing everywhere. Mandurah, Leederville, Bassendean. The options are endless.

 

[Silencer83]

Wonder why it’s called “The Voss Academy “ as JL said in a press conference that it was started by JT

Basically JT named it that.

 

[King Huskii]

I can see him playing everywhere. Mandurah, Leederville, Bassendean. The options are endless.

That's what happens when others are better than you.

 

[Purpleheart_56]

I can see him playing everywhere. Mandurah, Leederville, Bassendean. The options are endless.

Look...I am not big fan of what BB copyng on here,but this was pretty good one...

 

[Sherriff Incorporated]

Not much to add from today's training session. More of the same in terms of structure of session. Lots of 10 on 10 match sims. 10 on 10 match sims involved 3 forwards, 3 backs and 4 in the middle for each team. I left before the end so there could have been match sims after I left.
Bolton joined in match sims today. Looked great.
I love how Kicket is tracking. Keeps up with the main group with repeat running and has some great moments in match sims.
Whan had a couple of great moments today. He's fefinitely not slow just not overly quick. Kicked a great goal today 50 metres out from the left pocket.
Dudley's looking really terrific in match sims coming up to the half back line at times to help out defenders while playing forward. Running and fitness look much improved.
Riddle is shaping as a big improver if his training form is anything to go by.

 

[King Huskii]

Not much to add from today's training session. More of the same in terms of structure of session. Lots of 10 on 10 match sims. 10 on 10 match sims involved 3 forwards, 3 backs and 4 in the middle for each team. I left before the end so there could have been match sims after I left.
Bolton joined in match sims today. Looked great.
I love how Kicket is tracking. Keeps up with the main group with repeat running and has some great moments in match sims.
Whan had a couple of great moments today. He's fefinitely not slow just not overly quick. Kicked a great goal today 50 metres out from the left pocket.
Dudley's looking really terrific in match sims coming up to the half back line at times to help out defenders while playing forward. Running and fitness look much improved.
Riddle is shaping as a big improver if his training form is anything to go by.

What is Sweidy like in traffic

 

[Ge3ks]

What is Sweidy like in traffic

Elite.

 

[Sherriff Incorporated]

What is Sweidy like in traffic

Ive only seen him once in football match play as he was running laps in the other two sessions Ive seen. In the one session he did play in match sims he was fantastic in traffic. Most will be surprised how strong he is at tackling for such a young player when they see him play for there first time.

 

[King Huskii]

Ive only seen him once in football match play as he was running laps in the other two sessions Ive seen. In the one session he did play in match sims he was fantastic in traffic. Most will be surprised how strong he is at tackling for such a young player when they see him play for there first time.

I'm expecting a more skilled version of Ballas

 

[Randomizor]

Correct form is imperative

I lift and can't afford injury and at a professional sport level they need to minimize training injuries. The club definitely needs to make sure they have good technique.

Yep I wasn’t able to bench for a few weeks after doing something to my shoulder simply because my scapulas weren’t 100% in the proper position. Wasn’t an issue until started hitting three plates and above, but once it become one, it became one real fast. And my form was still much better than some of these players is.

 

[King Huskii]

Yep I wasn’t able to bench for a few weeks after doing something to my shoulder simply because my scapulas weren’t 100% in the proper position. Wasn’t an issue until started hitting three plates and above, but once it become one, it became one real fast. And my form was still much better than some of these players is.

They need better trainers to support their gym sessions because what i saw looked armature in a professional workplace

There's injuries waiting to happen

 

[Footskill]

They need better trainers to support their gym sessions because what i saw looked armature in a professional workplace

There's injuries waiting to happen

As a gym bro, have you applied for that position yet. Or will you be an armchair critic lol

 

[Randomizor]

Not much to add from today's training session. More of the same in terms of structure of session. Lots of 10 on 10 match sims. 10 on 10 match sims involved 3 forwards, 3 backs and 4 in the middle for each team. I left before the end so there could have been match sims after I left.
Bolton joined in match sims today. Looked great.
I love how Kicket is tracking. Keeps up with the main group with repeat running and has some great moments in match sims.
Whan had a couple of great moments today. He's fefinitely not slow just not overly quick. Kicked a great goal today 50 metres out from the left pocket.
Dudley's looking really terrific in match sims coming up to the half back line at times to help out defenders while playing forward. Running and fitness look much improved.
Riddle is shaping as a big improver if his training form is anything to go by.

Your post isn’t very clear. Was there or was there not match sims?

 

[King Huskii]

As a gym bro, have you applied for that position yet. Or will you be an armchair critic lol

No I haven't applied I'm not qualified to trsin people at the elite level. If you have any clue about lifting you'll see what Josh Tracey does at a very heavy weight lack proper form which can cause injury.

You can mock me all you want but the facts are the facts, form in lifting is crucial for injury prevention.

You're lack of understanding is highly amusing. Stick to talking up how awesome BB is. You've become a comedy show.

 

[Jezzitizle]

Your post isn’t very clear. Was there or was there not match sims?

I think there were small group sims, but left before big group (eg 18v 18) sims.

Your question reads a bit weirdly direct for a training report.

 

[greatgatsby]

A reminder that training reports are volunteer work, with the relevant rules for feedback and inquiry.

 

[Paracleet]

Your post isn’t very clear. Was there or was there not match sims?

I think there were small group sims, but left before big group (eg 18v 18) sims.

Your question reads a bit weirdly direct for a training report.

Poor username to post correlation.

 

[Lach72]

 

[Lach72]

Couldn’t possibly play at Fremantle Oval could we?

 

[Sherriff Incorporated]

Elite.

I'll pay that.

 

[Sherriff Incorporated]

I'm expecting a more skilled version of Ballas

He's more like a Prestia/Switta mix I think. He's like Switta in terms of forward pressure but I think he's more a mid we will play forward to start his career due to our positional needs. He appears quick over 0-10 metres which allows him to get clear from stoppages from what Ive seen in his highlights and one training session. Long term I think he's a mid who adds some burst pace to our midfield group.

 

[Sherriff Incorporated]

Your post isn’t very clear. Was there or was there not match sims?

They didn't play full match sims but rather 10 on 10 match sim play drills. Most of the match sim play Ive seen this preseason has not actually been 18 on 18 like the West Reported by rather 10 on 10 or 14 on 14 match sim play.

 

[E Shed]

He's more like a Prestia/Switta mix I think. He's like Switta in terms of forward pressure but I think he's more a mid we will play forward to start his career due to our positional needs. He appears quick over 0-10 metres which allows him to get clear from stoppages from what Ive seen in his highlights and one training session. Long term I think he's a mid who adds some burst pace to our midfield group.

Just needs to hang off Murphy. Learn the forward strategies from the young master and bring his assets to the task of wreaking havoc & creativity near goal and bide his time to graduate to the mid group.

 

[2big2strom]

I can see him playing everywhere. Mandurah, Leederville, Bassendean. The options are endless.

At the MCG last game of September.....