Training 2026 Off-Season & Preseason reports and discussion

[mustang]

Percy Burgoyne and Ben Crawford out on track with the squad today, as well as a couple of eastern ranges/Gippy kids.

Yeah it was on the Hawks Insiders Instagram page, 16 year old Percy and 17 yeah old Ben, but they didn't mention if Cooper was there do you know if he was?

 

[CHUBBSS]

Fiending for a training report…

Thank you to all those that can

 

[Strapping Young Lad]

Today the squad trained on the AFLW oval, with a bit of cover from the Westerly wind.

Everyone was accounted for apart from Stanley. I’m not sure I spotted Daysy, edit. Spotted by Brownbird .
Newk and Calsh took part in some drills also, while Sicily and Karl stayed out of most things and ran.


Percy and Ben were involved in some early drills and kicking(some nice shots from 50 too) but sat out much of the main drills and watched on.

Our NGA over-ager Keenan Boi completed most of the main drills, as did his mate from the Eastern Ranges/AIS, whose name I have forgotten.

There were some ball movement drills today, with the ball being cleared from a stoppage up the wing, and the group working white singlets v purple bibs.

Some interesting things within this was LeRay taking two contested marks up the line, Noodle getting the better of Meek with a pack mark or two, Weddle being everywhere(then slicing through congestion) and Perez dancing his way through a bit of congestion on the wing to deliver to full forward. TB being the only bloke out there in a bucket hat that he’d tied quite tightly to his head, had him somewhat looking out of place as he steamed off half back and delivered through the middle.

There was also a lot of running in the back half of training today(Calsh and Karl watched on from the stand), with the squad split into groups. Groups A and B ran, while some of the senior players worked on ball skills and mobility through uprights as the others ran.

Similar to other sessions, this was interval running and each group had the opportunity to break and then run back the other way, so first become last and last become first.

In his group, LeRay decided that he wanted to test himself nearing the last set and sprinted out to a 50m lead on his group before slowing and getting swallowed up as the run came to an end.

Butler, Moore and Dalton were impressive as always. Moorey very vocal today also.

I think I’ve said this previously, but Lewis and Meek look very trim and fit.

After training Dalton and Greeves were both overheard asking Mass and Moorey if they could spend 5 mins with them working on their kicking after training. Dalton in particular wanted to work on his opposite with Mass.

Sam had Mraz on the boundary late, chasing a loose ball that he’d throw down for himself, he was then to collect the ground ball “explode like you’ve got Wiz behind you” and deliver a 20m pass to Mitchell who wanted the ball delivered in his phone box. Mraz’s ball drop is much improved, and his kicking has improved too as a consequence.

It was a good 2.5 hour session with most players looking pretty spent by the end of it.

Later on when most players had finished and had moved back inside to the KCC Dimma and Wiz, for whatever reason decided it was time for wrestlemania and were seen rolling around on the ground over the boundary trying to get the better of each other. Maybe these two didn’t burn all their energy after all.

 

[Brownbird]

Today the squad trained on the AFLW oval, with a bit of cover from the Westerly wind.

Everyone was accounted for apart from Stanley. I’m not sure I spotted Daysy.
Newk and Calsh took part in some drills also, while Sicily and Karl stayed out of most things and ran.


Percy and Ben were involved in some early drills and kicking(some nice shots from 50 too) but sat out much of the main drills and watched on.

Our NGA over-ager Keenan Boi completed most of the main drills, as did his mate from the Eastern Ranges/AIS, whose name I have forgotten.

There were some ball movement drills today, with the ball being cleared from a stoppage up the wing, and the group working white singlets v purple bibs.

Some interesting things within this was LeRay taking two contested marks up the line, Noodle getting the better of Meek with a pack mark or two, Weddle being everywhere(then slicing through congestion) and Perez dancing his way through a bit of congestion on the wing to deliver to full forward. TB being the only bloke out there in a bucket hat that he’d tied quite tightly to his head, had him somewhat looking out of place as he steamed off half back and delivered through the middle.

There was also a lot of running in the back half of training today(Calsh and Karl watched on from the stand), with the squad split into groups. Groups A and B ran, while some of the senior players worked on ball skills and mobility through uprights as the others ran.

Similar to other sessions, this was interval running and each group had the opportunity to break and then run back the other way, so first become last and last become first.

In his group, LeRay decided that he wanted to test himself nearing the last set and sprinted out to a 50m lead on his group before slowing and getting swallowed up as the run came to an end.

Butler, Moore and Dalton were impressive as always. Moorey very vocal today also.

I think I’ve said this previously, but Lewis and Meek look very trim and fit.

After training Dalton and Greeves were both overheard asking Mass and Moorey if they could spend 5 mins with them working on their kicking after training. Dalton in particular wanted to work on his opposite with Mass.

Sam had Mraz on the boundary late, chasing a loose ball that he’d throw down for himself, he was then to collect the ground ball “explode like you’ve got Wiz behind you” and deliver a 20m pass to Mitchell who wanted the ball delivered in his phone box. Mraz’s ball drop is much improved, and his kicking has improved too as a consequence.

It was a good 2.5 hour session with most players long pretty spent by the end of it.

Later on when most players had finished and had moved back inside to the KCC Dimma and Wiz, for whatever reason decided it was time for wrestlemania and were seen rolling around on the ground over the boundary trying to get the better of each other. Maybe these two didn’t burn all their energy after all.

thanks for the great report as usual, SYL - I was there for about half the session - Daysy was doing his own program over the far eastern side mainly - and running some laps.

 

[Dewnior]

TB being the only bloke out there in a bucket hat that he’d tied quite tightly to his head, had him somewhat looking out of place as he steamed off half back and delivered through the middle.

You saw TB steaming off half back wearing a bucket hat?

 

[hawkinoz]

Percy and Ben were involved in some early drills and kicking(some nice shots from 50 too) but sat out much of the main drills and watched on.

Our NGA over-ager Keenan Boi completed most of the main drills, as did his mate from the Eastern Ranges/AIS, whose name I have forgotten.

Searched for our NGA mentioned, got this

 

[SSSSSS]

Later on when most players had finished and had moved back inside to the KCC Dimma and Wiz, for whatever reason decided it was time for wrestlemania and were seen rolling around on the ground over the boundary trying to get the better of each other. Maybe these two didn’t burn all their energy after all.

Why am I not surprised with those two names?

 

[hawkmang]

Some nice footage on the socials today showing Leray tackling Barass. Geez he’s bigger/stronger than I realised

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Some nice footage on the socials today showing Leray tackling Barass. Geez he’s bigger/stronger than I realised

Big boned is the term I think of when I saw him the first time.

He's got some nice size on him, plus he looks as mad as a cut snake which I love

 

[ReturningHawk]

Searched for our NGA mentioned, got this

Ripping goal. Seems like his draft year should’ve been 2024. I wonder what the story is there.

 

[Dewnior]

Ripping goal. Seems like his draft year should’ve been 2024. I wonder what the story is there.

Boi was playing U16 in 2024 so his draft year must be 2026

 

[ReturningHawk]

Boi was playing U16 in 2024 so his draft year must be 2026

ok I thought I saw his DOB was 2005, but I must’ve got it wrong

 

[Dewnior]

ok I thought I saw his DOB was 2005, but I must’ve got it wrong

Can't trust the internet, some sites have his DOB as 2025

 

[Mitchell Madness]

Former Melbourne rookie Kye Declase is also training with the senior squad in the main sessions, but isn't undergoing an official SSP trial at this stage.

Hawthorn is expected to trial McLaughlin, Stanley and Perez until the Christmas break before making a decision on extending the audition across January and February.

Hawks started this type of trial in the aflw last season. Up to 10 players given a "train on" spot but not signed

 

[TheFourPillars]

Just to add to Strapping Young Lad report.

LeRay and Greeves both being poor runners were told to go out hard in one of the running drills to push themselves and see how much they could stretch themselves.

Its a great way for coaches to know their limits and try to keep pushing them past it

 

[ahhhhhh]

 

[MazHawk]

What a crap outcome.

I'm pretty sure I read he was heading bush to play country footy next year (on big bucks no doubt) before he got the call up to train with the Hawks.

Now he's got probably a whole year out of footy, that's such awful luck.

It really is a cruel game at times

Might not be too crap. Been told - not from my ex but from someone else there at training yesterday who I know through my ex (who says he's on 'my' side ... lol) that the opinion atm is that we'll sign McLaughlin anyway. They're still doing some umming/ahhhing over the recovery prognosis etc but he seems to be one we'd earmarked for a rookie spot before trials so we think he might still represent value after his recovery.
Nothing definite yet.

Personally I'd like to think we wouldn't say to a kid we invited down for a train "Bad injury? That's too bad, thanks for coming. Bye."

 

[ppphawk]

Some nice footage on the socials today showing Leray tackling Barass. Geez he’s bigger/stronger than I realised

Link please

 

[HawthornHawk]

After training Dalton and Greeves were both overheard asking Mass and Moorey if they could spend 5 mins with them working on their kicking after training. Dalton in particular wanted to work on his opposite with Mass.

Sam had Mraz on the boundary late, chasing a loose ball that he’d throw down for himself, he was then to collect the ground ball “explode like you’ve got Wiz behind you” and deliver a 20m pass to Mitchell who wanted the ball delivered in his phone box. Mraz’s ball drop is much improved, and his kicking has improved too as a consequence.

It was a good 2.5 hour session with most players looking pretty spent by the end of it.

Later on when most players had finished and had moved back inside to the KCC Dimma and Wiz, for whatever reason decided it was time for wrestlemania and were seen rolling around on the ground over the boundary trying to get the better of each other. Maybe these two didn’t burn all their energy after all.

So many great details in your reports that paint a picture of the character of our players, but I especially love this section. Appreciated as always

 

[Sirlemsip]

Anyone at training caught a glimpse of Bodie Ryan?

I am hoping to finally see him debut in 2026.

 

[HawthornHawk]

Looking after his mate from Pioneers?

 

[Blackhawk42]

Might not be too crap. Been told - not from my ex but from someone else there at training yesterday who I know through my ex (who says he's on 'my' side ... lol) that the opinion atm is that we'll sign McLaughlin anyway. They're still doing some umming/ahhhing over the recovery prognosis etc but he seems to be one we'd earmarked for a rookie spot before trials so we think he might still represent value after his recovery.
Nothing definite yet.

Personally I'd like to think we wouldn't say to a kid we invited down for a train "Bad injury? That's too bad, thanks for coming. Bye."

This will sound harsh, but surely we won't use an open list spot on a 28 year old who has never debuted at AFL level and who is guaranteed to miss the entire season? We're the family club, but that actually sounds like dumb list management.

Would love for us to pay for and help with his recovery and then give him the same opportunity next summer though.

 

[The Golden Glenferrie]

This will sound harsh, but surely we won't use an open list spot on a 28 year old who has never debuted at AFL level and who is guaranteed to miss the entire season? We're the family club, but that actually sounds like dumb list management.

Would love for us to pay for and help with his recovery and then give him the same opportunity next summer though.

Unless we think he'll be ready to go this year. It could also be more than just a one year thing

 

[Simon Crawshay]

Might not be too crap. Been told - not from my ex but from someone else there at training yesterday who I know through my ex (who says he's on 'my' side ... lol) that the opinion atm is that we'll sign McLaughlin anyway. They're still doing some umming/ahhhing over the recovery prognosis etc but he seems to be one we'd earmarked for a rookie spot before trials so we think he might still represent value after his recovery.
Nothing definite yet.

Personally I'd like to think we wouldn't say to a kid we invited down for a train "Bad injury? That's too bad, thanks for coming. Bye."

I actually posted earlier in the week how much of a impost it is on these train on players to be doing a full AFL pre season and not getting paid for it.

Then to do an injury like this as well is just devastating. Foot injuries as we have seen from Day are just

You would hope the club would look after him in some capacity even if they don't pick him up.

Paying for his medical bills would be the bare minimum. Some sort of financial compensation as well and a guarantee to have another crack at a spot next year.

 

[matey]

Thank you to the other posters for their training reports from yesterday . It was a solid session by the boys they dug deep and fitness was a big focus. Heard Moorey a couple times yell out “let’s get fit fellas”. Speaking to SYL it’s noticeable how players are popping in and out of drills and then do their own running etc on the side. It’s all very well controlled/tailored for each individual player. At one stage all the players gathered in the middle of the ground for a chat and were joined by the coaches and support stuff. Nearly as many support staff as players …….. bit of an exaggeration but there were plenty out there showing how professional the club is and the level of support given to the playing group to perform at their best. At the end of the session players also congregated towards staff sitting at a table in the dugout on computers trying to see how they went statistically showing how much they cared about their performance.

The intensity stepped up a level compared to the last couple weeks with some strong tackles, niggling off the ball, flying/leading strongly for marks and the level of encouragement across the group was excellent.

In one of the drills was lucky enough to watch the big boys up closely. One of the coaches would kick a long/high ball into a contest. Good to see when players weren’t in a position to mark they would still at least compete and bring ball to ground. Dear was in the recovery group last couple weeks so it was promising seeing him run and jump freely at the ball. When he runs hard, jumps and meets the ball at its highest point no one can stop the young man. Shuey got out bodied a couple times before the ball came in which is expected when matched against conditioned players that also have some nous under their belt ….. but he was still dirty on himself which was a good sign. Seeing Meek, Reeves, Mraz, Weds, Chol, Dear, Lewis, Barrass, Battle, Ramma, McCabe, Shuey as a collective group together ….. we are quite stacked in this area for the short and long term.

Ward is really up and about and would have lost his voice from yelling so hard demanding the ball. Like the look of Perez has a nice running/kicking technique, looks fit. Greeves decision making, quick hands and kicking is impressive and as I’ve said before like his attitude. Dalton amazing effort just coming in and mixing it with Moore, Butts in the running. He did a couple of nice penetrating longish kicks on the run. Day was training on the other side of the ground very meticulous with his running technique (sort of running on the spot lifting the knees up high like a sprinter) for a good hour or so before he went in. Newk was more involved in drills today but still not fully back. Siss and Amon doing a lot of laps. Ginni clutched his shin at one point but it looked like just a knock and then continued without any probs. I liked McCabe’s intensity laid some good tackles. Wiz a couple of times the way he turns on a dime was special. And Weds is just Weds did a couple of nice runs where he takes it on before releasing the ball and strong in the air. Shuey did a couple of nice kicks to teammates with touch.

Interesting to see who will debut next season considering the players we have on each line and the quality of depth in the list. Managing injuries during a long hard gruelling season is a given but competition for spots will be high and you’ll have to play some pretty good/consistent VFL footy to get rewarded playing in the ones.

Liked watching training at the AFLW ground with the pavilion. It provided seating, shade, it created a nice community feel, close to the action and even some of the coaches/players would grab a seat. Another highlight yesterday was meeting and touching base with some other fellow Hawk tragics