Training Pre-Season 2026 chat

[The rabbi]

 

[The rabbi]

Stolen from Face book page "Nerds4life - Super Coach".

 

[goyoucatters]

Stolen from Face book page "Nerds4life - Super Coach".


View attachment 2496388

Burhan sounds like an exciting prospect. Giving off serious Waybill vibes.

 

[geelong_crazy26]

So limited pre seasons for: Guthrie, mannagh, Clark and dekoning.

Probably all b23 players we would have been hoping for career best years for a flag

 

[Pure_Ownage]

So limited pre seasons for: Guthrie, mannagh, Clark and dekoning.

Probably all b23 players we would have been hoping for career best years for a flag

Guthrie is a pro that doesnt worry me and if you remember mannagh had a limited pre season last year and aced it.

Clark is a worry (unless his loads are being managed) as he cant afford to fall behind fitness wise. And sdk is so crucial because he is our main ruck for this year we dont have much of a plan B so we need him in good nick both physically and mentally.

 

[Spearman]

What I like about that best is the rookie draft/ cat b rookies. Is a testament do the fantastic talent identification and player development that we have. Next most on that metric is the Swans, another team that has perennially been able to compete, which underlines how important this facet of the game is

I think it is also great lure for recruiting. In NCAA football, the schools that usually always do well also happen to get guys into the NFL regularly. Then they recruit another class of blue chippers from around the country.
It would suck to be a talented kid who knows he's going to get drafted into a black hole of development. Those clubs struggle to keep any actual talent. They need to bring in some of those good development coaches at all costs when are available. How long was McCartney out of job since the Bulldogs?

 

[CatRiot]

Do you think Ablett Senior, Damien Bourke, Bazza Stoneham and Bruhns are cranking this music this off-season?

 

[CatRiot]

Do you think Ablett Senior, Damien Bourke, Bazza Stoneham and Bruhns are cranking this music this off-season?

Three Fantas and God, would be a good name for that band.

 

[Kobe Gryant]

So limited pre seasons for: Guthrie, mannagh, Clark and dekoning.

Probably all b23 players we would have been hoping for career best years for a flag

They've been back for three weeks, it's hardly panic stations.

You'll see this happen with a handful of players every year, and it's rarely - if ever - hurt us.

If they're all still on limited minutes by February and missing match simulation or the trial games, then that's when you start to lower your expectations for at least the first portion of the season.

 

[Footy Smarts]

They've been back for three weeks, it's hardly panic stations.

You'll see this happen with a handful of players every year, and it's rarely - if ever - hurt us.

If they're all still on limited minutes by February and missing match simulation or the trial games, then that's when you start to lower your expectations for at least the first portion of the season.

Yep. There's also a big difference between training away from the main group and not training at all.

Clearly someone long Conway who isn't even on track by the sounds of things is coming from a long way back. And Kolo still being Ruth the rehab group isn't great.

These 4 guys have been in training photos repeatedly. At worst they must be minor niggles they're managing. It could be as little as the fitness staff thinking they're due for a lower intensity session.

 

[CHAWKS2]

Not much of an update from, trackwatcher. Basic view is that right into holiday mode. Yesterday was a “fun day” and tomorrow is open training so very light for the fans.

Injuries and niggles have been reported above. Nothing to add other than real concern over Kolo as he has missed every comeback deadline for 12 months now. Always feels close but just can’t seem to make the last recovery step. As it stands now he feels close to full recovery!

Only other feedback that I found interesting.

Lenny H is not just a great name but causing some excitement. Great attack on the ball behind the ball and strong elusive skills. Has been butchering the ball which is currently only real concern. Could be a flyer if cleans that up

Ruck thoughts are certainly blitz and SDK with a watch on Conway’s body. If Toby gets right (no expectations at start of year) then he is still deemed best option. Lots of excitement around big Mitch but not certain on whether can make the leap to number 1 with such little experience.

Excited about Worpel. Think 2025 was aboration given niggles and if body right he will be very additive.

Another pre season another high level of excitement for Knevitt. He is looking strong. Never misses a beat. Feeling is that if hadn’t got injured last year he might have kept spot right through. However, acknowledgment that spots through the middle are tough to get a look in and then keep

Will take time with Tanner. They think very highly of him but won’t rush given niggles and time out of the game.

They love polkinghorn. Think he will be a player. Just so hard to figure out how to get him a game. Our forwards never seem to get injured! And of course we have O Henry trying to squeeze back in. He has built his strength. Just hard to see who he dislodges for best 23.

Dempsey is interesting. Has been going through the middle in match sims a lot (with Holmes and smith taking turns on the wing). Slight different views from assistants. All positive but one doesn’t think cats can afford not to have him on the wing and another thinks he could become our best midfielder with opportunity (they compare him to Richards from bulldogs). In the end the senior coach will decide when back but suspect we see some experimental in the practise games.

Personal note is that I think 2026 will try and consolidate his dominance in wing position (knowing teams now have to plan against him and that frees up other areas_ but in 2027 and beyond they will look to test him through the midfield. He is not a bull but just wins the contested ball in his way better (stats to support it) better than any other key position player (or danger)

On the coaching side they see Kelly as a senior coach in waiting and he will get more say in 2026

I am going to try and get to some match sim late Jan or early Feb to give my own feedback

 

[cats_09]

For those who may be interested

 

[magic_johnson!]

Not much of an update from, trackwatcher. Basic view is that right into holiday mode. Yesterday was a “fun day” and tomorrow is open training so very light for the fans.

Injuries and niggles have been reported above. Nothing to add other than real concern over Kolo as he has missed every comeback deadline for 12 months now. Always feels close but just can’t seem to make the last recovery step. As it stands now he feels close to full recovery!

Only other feedback that I found interesting.

Lenny H is not just a great name but causing some excitement. Great attack on the ball behind the ball and strong elusive skills. Has been butchering the ball which is currently only real concern. Could be a flyer if cleans that up

Ruck thoughts are certainly blitz and SDK with a watch on Conway’s body. If Toby gets right (no expectations at start of year) then he is still deemed best option. Lots of excitement around big Mitch but not certain on whether can make the leap to number 1 with such little experience.

Excited about Worpel. Think 2025 was aboration given niggles and if body right he will be very additive.

Another pre season another high level of excitement for Knevitt. He is looking strong. Never misses a beat. Feeling is that if hadn’t got injured last year he might have kept spot right through. However, acknowledgment that spots through the middle are tough to get a look in and then keep

Will take time with Tanner. They think very highly of him but won’t rush given niggles and time out of the game.

They love polkinghorn. Think he will be a player. Just so hard to figure out how to get him a game. Our forwards never seem to get injured! And of course we have O Henry trying to squeeze back in. He has built his strength. Just hard to see who he dislodges for best 23.

Dempsey is interesting. Has been going through the middle in match sims a lot (with Holmes and smith taking turns on the wing). Slight different views from assistants. All positive but one doesn’t think cats can afford not to have him on the wing and another thinks he could become our best midfielder with opportunity (they compare him to Richards from bulldogs). In the end the senior coach will decide when back but suspect we see some experimental in the practise games.

Personal note is that I think 2026 will try and consolidate his dominance in wing position (knowing teams now have to plan against him and that frees up other areas_ but in 2027 and beyond they will look to test him through the midfield. He is not a bull but just wins the contested ball in his way better (stats to support it) better than any other key position player (or danger)

On the coaching side they see Kelly as a senior coach in waiting and he will get more say in 2026

I am going to try and get to some match sim late Jan or early Feb to give my own feedback

I agree that Dempsey could really be anything if given a midfield spot. He’s obviously fantastic on the wing but could be more influential inside, and he seems to have all the attributes.

 

[CHAWKS2]

I agree that Dempsey could really be anything if given a midfield spot. He’s obviously fantastic on the wing but could be more influential inside, and he seems to have all the attributes.

Obviously I agree given I am a long term fan - the only hesitation I have is that is isn’t in the inside mold in terms of attacking the contest. He does seem to pick and choose but maybe I am old fashioned and underestimate the “smartness” of not getting sucked into congestion?

I am not being negative as I love the thought of him translating his X factor into more contests…but will be an interesting watch. In the end my opinion is irrelevant - what I do know is that a couple of the coaches really think he should be tried more in the MF in 26…lets see

 

[Kobe Gryant]

Not much of an update from, trackwatcher. Basic view is that right into holiday mode. Yesterday was a “fun day” and tomorrow is open training so very light for the fans.

Injuries and niggles have been reported above. Nothing to add other than real concern over Kolo as he has missed every comeback deadline for 12 months now. Always feels close but just can’t seem to make the last recovery step. As it stands now he feels close to full recovery!

Only other feedback that I found interesting.

Lenny H is not just a great name but causing some excitement. Great attack on the ball behind the ball and strong elusive skills. Has been butchering the ball which is currently only real concern. Could be a flyer if cleans that up

Ruck thoughts are certainly blitz and SDK with a watch on Conway’s body. If Toby gets right (no expectations at start of year) then he is still deemed best option. Lots of excitement around big Mitch but not certain on whether can make the leap to number 1 with such little experience.

Excited about Worpel. Think 2025 was aboration given niggles and if body right he will be very additive.

Another pre season another high level of excitement for Knevitt. He is looking strong. Never misses a beat. Feeling is that if hadn’t got injured last year he might have kept spot right through. However, acknowledgment that spots through the middle are tough to get a look in and then keep

Will take time with Tanner. They think very highly of him but won’t rush given niggles and time out of the game.

They love polkinghorn. Think he will be a player. Just so hard to figure out how to get him a game. Our forwards never seem to get injured! And of course we have O Henry trying to squeeze back in. He has built his strength. Just hard to see who he dislodges for best 23.

Dempsey is interesting. Has been going through the middle in match sims a lot (with Holmes and smith taking turns on the wing). Slight different views from assistants. All positive but one doesn’t think cats can afford not to have him on the wing and another thinks he could become our best midfielder with opportunity (they compare him to Richards from bulldogs). In the end the senior coach will decide when back but suspect we see some experimental in the practise games.

Personal note is that I think 2026 will try and consolidate his dominance in wing position (knowing teams now have to plan against him and that frees up other areas_ but in 2027 and beyond they will look to test him through the midfield. He is not a bull but just wins the contested ball in his way better (stats to support it) better than any other key position player (or danger)

On the coaching side they see Kelly as a senior coach in waiting and he will get more say in 2026

I am going to try and get to some match sim late Jan or early Feb to give my own feedback

Dempsey transitioning to a mid feels like the closest thing we've had to a young Gaz Jnr doing the same.

That's a ridiculously high bar, and although this phase is overused, it's actually true here: Even reaching half of Gazza's production would be an incredible success.

It could fail too, you never know, but it's a super exciting proposition to already have on our list.

Maybe 2027 as you say, when Barker's available (and potentially Hunter) and we can afford to have them fill a bit more of his wing role?

 

[TheYid]

Went to open training. Guys look relaxed but focused. O'Connor, Knevitt, George S, C Burke and a guy wearing #51 seemed to be working extra hard. Burke wearing Mullin's number and the guy looks impressive. Worpel looks fit and H Holmes looks comfortable. Driscoll has some moves and Lawson H was prominent. Great to see Tanner out there. Working hard.

Kolo barely running. He looks like he's kept in good shape though.

 

[cats_09]

I also headed to this morning's open training - they did seem to do more training than we sometimes see at these things, and it was good to catch up with The rabbi

As with other reports from our pre-season, it was the same few guys working away from the main group at times with extra running and their own set of drills. Though Cameron (wearing the yellow cap) did join in some match sim towards the end of the session

Rhys was on the veteran program - join in the early stuff and then hang out with his kids on the sideline when the intensity pick up

Kolodjashnij looks to be the main concern - he was running laps before spending some time on the medicos bench. He got his knee (right) strapped with the white tape, then got up to test it out; that may not have helped as much as hoped as he was back on the bench for more strapping, this time with the stronger brown tape being applied. He got up to test that and on the way back to the bench he stopped to have a chat with Stanley, where he pointed to the back of his knee and shook his head - that wasn't a great sign, as when he got back to the bench he started ripping the tape off. Considering how solid he was for us down back across the 22 -> 24, this really sucks for the guy who's not long turned 30

Edwards looks like he's put on some size, but would still love to see him add a bit more bulk across the upper body

One guy who I haven't seen any photos of so far this pre-season but was impressed with his transformation from last season to this pre-season, and can tell he put a good amount of work in over the break is Joe Pike - looks stronger through the upper body and leaner through the middle. If that's work he has done on his own during the down period, then full credit to him

 

[goyoucatters]

Kolodjashnij looks to be the main concern - he was running laps before spending some time on the medicos bench. He got his knee (right) strapped with the white tape, then got up to test it out; that may not have helped as much as hoped as he was back on the bench for more strapping, this time with the stronger brown tape being applied. He got up to test that and on the way back to the bench he stopped to have a chat with Stanley, where he pointed to the back of his knee and shook his head - that wasn't a great sign, as when he got back to the bench he started ripping the tape off. Considering how solid he was for us down back across the 22 -> 24, this really sucks for the guy who's not long turned 30.

Awful to contemplate. But it seems like the Kolo story is tracking towards being the long, sad goodnight. Hasn't played any meaningful footy for an entire year. And is now clearly struggling to get to the line to do any sort of meaningful preseason training for next season as well.

Surely we're looking at him having to consider some different approach to his recovery (or some sort of medical intervention) to get him up and going again. His injury situation (whatever the specifics) would appear to have the word 'chronic' written all over it.

I'm cheering him on but I'm fearing the worst.

 

[Gyno79]

List analysis..

AFL Draft: 22 (equal 14th most)
Trade: 7 (equal ninth most)
Free agency: 3 (equal most)
Rookie Draft/Cat B rookies: 12 (most)
Pre-Season Draft/SSP: 0 (equal 17th most)
Mid-Season Draft: 0 (equal 16th most)

And people want to carry on and hang crap on Chris Scott.. but there is no other coach this century who could take that recruitment profile to a grand final day.

And for all the garbage about “ free farms” for god sakes we are 9th out of 18 for most trades! We are literally average as it gets for conducting trades.

What about high profile trades?

 

[geelong_crazy26]

What about high profile trades?

Cameron dangerfield smith. 3 recruits… others have the same if not more.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

I also headed to this morning's open training - they did seem to do more training than we sometimes see at these things, and it was good to catch up with The rabbi

As with other reports from our pre-season, it was the same few guys working away from the main group at times with extra running and their own set of drills. Though Cameron (wearing the yellow cap) did join in some match sim towards the end of the session

Rhys was on the veteran program - join in the early stuff and then hang out with his kids on the sideline when the intensity pick up

Kolodjashnij looks to be the main concern - he was running laps before spending some time on the medicos bench. He got his knee (right) strapped with the white tape, then got up to test it out; that may not have helped as much as hoped as he was back on the bench for more strapping, this time with the stronger brown tape being applied. He got up to test that and on the way back to the bench he stopped to have a chat with Stanley, where he pointed to the back of his knee and shook his head - that wasn't a great sign, as when he got back to the bench he started ripping the tape off. Considering how solid he was for us down back across the 22 -> 24, this really sucks for the guy who's not long turned 30

Edwards looks like he's put on some size, but would still love to see him add a bit more bulk across the upper body

One guy who I haven't seen any photos of so far this pre-season but was impressed with his transformation from last season to this pre-season, and can tell he put a good amount of work in over the break is Joe Pike - looks stronger through the upper body and leaner through the middle. If that's work he has done on his own during the down period, then full credit to him

Tbh kolo sounds fairly cooked if some of that is accurate.
Stanley is fairly cooked and will be veteran backup only and Conway seems to be MIA cooked.
So that and Barker who wont really play all year might be a few we are missing.
We must hope sdk stays fit at all costs

 

[cats_09]

Tbh kolo sounds fairly cooked if some of that is accurate.
Stanley is fairly cooked and will be veteran backup only and Conway seems to be MIA cooked.
So that and Barker who wont really play all year might be a few we are missing.
We must hope sdk stays fit at all costs

Rhys actually looks to be in ripping nic - he was moving well during the earlier parts of the training session which was a good sign

But then took it easy while the younger guys took on some of the ruck responsibility

 

[Vdubs]

no mention Ollie Henry at all, or Jack.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Rhys actually looks to be in ripping nic - he was moving well during the earlier parts of the training session which was a good sign

But then took it easy while the younger guys took on some of the ruck responsibility

He will look fit because athletically hes a better specimen than our other older guys.
But he has very little juice in the tank to get through week on week games now. I expect hes simply ruck backup unless sdk or blicavs get injured.

 

[cats_09]

no mention Ollie Henry at all, or Jack.

I saw Jack out there, but he's such a professional that he was doing what you expect to see from someone of his experience - so kinda boring to watch, especially with wanting to check out the youngsters or the next gen coming through


Ollie looks fit but damn he is frustrating to watch in match sim play - if he's intent on flying for marks one handed, I'm not sure he's going to push his way back into the 23. Watching the match sim he was playing forward and the closest he got to the ball was trying to jump over a teammate but only getting 1 hand on the ball and both guys going to ground

He's a better player than that which is why it's frustrating