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Training Pre-season training updates 2026.

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Still feeling sad and shocked about yesterday. But I’m remote and not family - friend impacted. I have a little me time tear now. Not hate. The politics and division and anger have started. May their wobbly path produce something better. Bring on training. It is good and a distraction.
 
The current United States of America Republican Vice President JD Vance from the Ohio Senate gets my vote too. I did not realise how good the right to use pronouns was.
SR36 says we should just ban person pronouns all together. Ot will het rid of the preferred pronoun arguments and make it easier to read a big footy thread.

Only problem is we'll become ****wits who refer to ourselves in the third person, but considering most of us are ****wits anyway, it's not really an issue.
 

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For those that dont check the NGA thread, but we had a surprise NGA trainee this morning
This kid is training or Oakleigh's U18 team, and he trained with the afl boys this morning. Maybe its academy week? Given a lot of the other boys were watching from the side lines but can't participate; much to Eli's chargin.
But he must be 2026 eligible

 
Here is a report from Anabelle on Fb

Conditions? Light grey sky congested with clouds - chilly at times with intermittent bursts of sunshine. Quite a few of the faithful arrived in match-day gear to watch the players go through their paces

Who was missing? - Both Beau and Bobby Hill were unsighted.

Rehab? It was more a session for day patients rather than permanent stays. Josh spent a lot of time in the infirmary rehabbing on his own.

McStay, Reef, and Houston partook of some of the skills drills but for the second part of the session worked as a trio. They undertook a power of running but also completed some agility work.

McCarthy and Moore worked in rehab later in the session after participating in the majority of main training

Saxena, Swadling and one of the former’s Oakleigh teammates also worked together predominantly running late in the session as the first year cohort worked away from the primary group

Buller appeared to land awkwardly at one juncture, got up limping, sort treatment, had a light bandage placed around a knee but he joined in the full ground movement seemingly unhindered, suggesting a mild tweak was the issue.

In a show of enthusiasm, just for the record the first two to grace the arena were Prindable and Anderson.

Special Note: There were quite a few of our academy prospects from the draft class of 2027 watching inside the arena at the River End, who were accompanied by staff in a possible portent of what might lie in store for their future. It’s good to see the club nurturing these to give them a taste of bonding with the club.

Drills and Skills - It’s interesting to note that to freshen up proceedings there appear to be some new drills this year. There was a bracket of such involving zig zagging movements with the trainers barking out instructions. Lots of this was around cones and an interesting phase was when all players assembled near the John Cain Arena end goals, cleaved into two separate groups which operated closely together as the cones were in a diamond shape formation and the players were urged to move at top pace, zig zagging around them.

There was some jack jumping and lots of individual and pair work with the resistance tape.

A lot of sprinting took place punctuated by handball/tackling drills, while they finished with some whole ground ball movements when players divided into white and black tops after all running out sporting the latter shade..

One interesting running drill was late in the session when the players lined up as they do for the yo yo challenge but they had to form pairs according to where they were originally standing. One of the pair would race to the other end and back racing against others from the pairing. When they reached the other end the pairs would wrestle one another. It was noticeable that the person who had run usually was too fatigued to prevail in the pugilistic battle.

One could see that some of the drills were aimed at testing the players’ mettle under duress, likewise allowing their bodies to become accustomed to match-like movements at high-octane levels.


The skills were relatively good during the whole ground movement phase. There were some kicks going astray, or placed not quite to the advantage of recipients but it was pleasing to see some athleticism on display when players had to stretch to haul in marks etc.

Some of the drills and activities were conducted in line groups with the defensive group looking particularly large.


Random observations of players:

Reef - his athletic prowess was on display during drills highlighting improving agility and no loss of speed after the ACL and he leapt well to mark some balls from errant kicks, however, his cardiovascular work reveals enduring shortcomings. When part of the Houston, McStay running group which operated for a long time, he lagged further behind the longer this went on . He appeared to be clearly labouring as he struggled to work in the slipstream of the two Dans. This indicates that a midfield spot is out of his reach and he will likely prove to be a third flanker either in defence or attack.

Harrison in the converse looked fit and willing and he may be given brief stints in the middle if required but significantly appears ready to reprise his role in the forward line. He may even be a candidate for the conduit player linking with the mids and forwards which Lippa currently occupies because his kicking looked sharp today and he’s a zippy mover.

Smit - looks to be developing beast like qualities. Given he has the mongrel to match his bulk, we’ll be relying on his marking to develop to provide him with the toolkit to equip him to vie for a ruck role.

Anderson - brims with enthusiasm and looks ready to go with a seasoned physique for a relative youngster. Moved well in the drills and tackled with some grunt.

Saxena - may be some way off pushing for senior selection but like the way he weaves his way through players with alacrity. All we ask of budding neophytes is some semblance of the AFL traits required to advance to the elite level.

Swadling - has good body size for his tender years and moves with a bit of power

JDG - looks energetic following the birth of Tatum Grey and he was working with the mids. Needed to polish his disposal on occasions but importantly he looks fit which is in contrast to the corresponding stage last year.

Elliott - was with the midfield group at points and his looking as fit and nimble as ever doing justice to the #35 he was wearing

Moore - has integrated back into main drills and was marking strongly today showing no lingering effects of the finger injury which restricted him to mainly spoiling. Looks remarkably athletic at this time of the year sans any niggles

Steene - will be monitored closely with the departure of Cox in terms of his readiness for senior level. Looks very fit and is clunking the ball okay at the moment but his biggest tests are yet to come if he finds himself competing against bigger, hardened bodies who also possess the experience to know where to position themselves. Is part of team selection conundrums surrounding whether they entrust McStay with the second ruck role again, bearing in mind that Checkers is no longer a forward fixture.

Long - is moving powerfully and attracting the ball but his kicking was questionable on occasions. Will be hoping he as another gear left to show us.
 
SR36 says we should just ban person pronouns all together. Ot will het rid of the preferred pronoun arguments and make it easier to read a big footy thread.

Only problem is we'll become ****wits who refer to ourselves in the third person, but considering most of us are ****wits anyway, it's not really an issue.


Jimmy's pretty sweet on Elaine
 
"Long - is moving powerfully and attracting the ball but his kicking was questionable on occasions. Will be hoping he as another gear left to show us."

Yea we really can't have that next year. It defeats the purpose of winning the tough contested ball if you are just going to turn it over with your kicking.
 
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"Long - is moving powerfully and attracting the ball but his kicking was questionable on occasions. Will be hoping he as another gear left to show us."

Yea we really can't have that next year. It defeats the purpose of winning the tough contested ball of you are just going to turn it over with your kicking.
His hand balling looked pretty slick & accurate in the footage I've seen.
 

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Here is a report from Anabelle on Fb

Conditions? Light grey sky congested with clouds - chilly at times with intermittent bursts of sunshine. Quite a few of the faithful arrived in match-day gear to watch the players go through their paces

Who was missing? - Both Beau and Bobby Hill were unsighted.

Rehab? It was more a session for day patients rather than permanent stays. Josh spent a lot of time in the infirmary rehabbing on his own.

McStay, Reef, and Houston partook of some of the skills drills but for the second part of the session worked as a trio. They undertook a power of running but also completed some agility work.

McCarthy and Moore worked in rehab later in the session after participating in the majority of main training

Saxena, Swadling and one of the former’s Oakleigh teammates also worked together predominantly running late in the session as the first year cohort worked away from the primary group

Buller appeared to land awkwardly at one juncture, got up limping, sort treatment, had a light bandage placed around a knee but he joined in the full ground movement seemingly unhindered, suggesting a mild tweak was the issue.

In a show of enthusiasm, just for the record the first two to grace the arena were Prindable and Anderson.

Special Note: There were quite a few of our academy prospects from the draft class of 2027 watching inside the arena at the River End, who were accompanied by staff in a possible portent of what might lie in store for their future. It’s good to see the club nurturing these to give them a taste of bonding with the club.

Drills and Skills - It’s interesting to note that to freshen up proceedings there appear to be some new drills this year. There was a bracket of such involving zig zagging movements with the trainers barking out instructions. Lots of this was around cones and an interesting phase was when all players assembled near the John Cain Arena end goals, cleaved into two separate groups which operated closely together as the cones were in a diamond shape formation and the players were urged to move at top pace, zig zagging around them.

There was some jack jumping and lots of individual and pair work with the resistance tape.

A lot of sprinting took place punctuated by handball/tackling drills, while they finished with some whole ground ball movements when players divided into white and black tops after all running out sporting the latter shade..

One interesting running drill was late in the session when the players lined up as they do for the yo yo challenge but they had to form pairs according to where they were originally standing. One of the pair would race to the other end and back racing against others from the pairing. When they reached the other end the pairs would wrestle one another. It was noticeable that the person who had run usually was too fatigued to prevail in the pugilistic battle.

One could see that some of the drills were aimed at testing the players’ mettle under duress, likewise allowing their bodies to become accustomed to match-like movements at high-octane levels.


The skills were relatively good during the whole ground movement phase. There were some kicks going astray, or placed not quite to the advantage of recipients but it was pleasing to see some athleticism on display when players had to stretch to haul in marks etc.

Some of the drills and activities were conducted in line groups with the defensive group looking particularly large.


Random observations of players:

Reef - his athletic prowess was on display during drills highlighting improving agility and no loss of speed after the ACL and he leapt well to mark some balls from errant kicks, however, his cardiovascular work reveals enduring shortcomings. When part of the Houston, McStay running group which operated for a long time, he lagged further behind the longer this went on . He appeared to be clearly labouring as he struggled to work in the slipstream of the two Dans. This indicates that a midfield spot is out of his reach and he will likely prove to be a third flanker either in defence or attack.

Harrison in the converse looked fit and willing and he may be given brief stints in the middle if required but significantly appears ready to reprise his role in the forward line. He may even be a candidate for the conduit player linking with the mids and forwards which Lippa currently occupies because his kicking looked sharp today and he’s a zippy mover.

Smit - looks to be developing beast like qualities. Given he has the mongrel to match his bulk, we’ll be relying on his marking to develop to provide him with the toolkit to equip him to vie for a ruck role.

Anderson - brims with enthusiasm and looks ready to go with a seasoned physique for a relative youngster. Moved well in the drills and tackled with some grunt.

Saxena - may be some way off pushing for senior selection but like the way he weaves his way through players with alacrity. All we ask of budding neophytes is some semblance of the AFL traits required to advance to the elite level.

Swadling - has good body size for his tender years and moves with a bit of power

JDG - looks energetic following the birth of Tatum Grey and he was working with the mids. Needed to polish his disposal on occasions but importantly he looks fit which is in contrast to the corresponding stage last year.

Elliott - was with the midfield group at points and his looking as fit and nimble as ever doing justice to the #35 he was wearing

Moore - has integrated back into main drills and was marking strongly today showing no lingering effects of the finger injury which restricted him to mainly spoiling. Looks remarkably athletic at this time of the year sans any niggles

Steene - will be monitored closely with the departure of Cox in terms of his readiness for senior level. Looks very fit and is clunking the ball okay at the moment but his biggest tests are yet to come if he finds himself competing against bigger, hardened bodies who also possess the experience to know where to position themselves. Is part of team selection conundrums surrounding whether they entrust McStay with the second ruck role again, bearing in mind that Checkers is no longer a forward fixture.

Long - is moving powerfully and attracting the ball but his kicking was questionable on occasions. Will be hoping he as another gear left to show us.
The taller Buller more likely to chip in with ruck duties.
 
Training report from yesterday -

Majority of players were on the track except for Beau and Bobby.

Rehab:

Josh
- who clearly is battling something, he
Reef - Did some running but also did a lot of the drills, he'd be aiming for a post christmas full training schedule
A couple others also did some running that are battling some sort of issue, like Mcstay, Sullivan.

What I noticed pretty quick was what we had a few extra players that joined in training.
A couple from the VFL program
  • Will Phillips
  • Oskar Faulkhead

And then there was this kid, who I thought was in the vfl program, but I soon discovered he is a 2026 NGA eligible player. Rick Hobson, plays for Oakleigh Chargers. Even debuted as a bottom ager this year



Sitting on the boundary along with [PLAYERCARD]Lynden Dunn[/PLAYERCARD] and I think [PLAYERCARD]Dom Tyson[/PLAYERCARD] (who must be involved in the NGA program) was a number of NGA/FS boys. Must have had a school holidays session, so they were watching training before heading indoors late in the session.

Some of these boys included;
  • Eli Kravic (2027)
  • Tjaegan Egan (2027)
  • Max Christian (2026)
  • Luke DeValle (2027)
  • Jadon Fang (2028)

I've no doubt Eli would have watched and thought he would fit in the boys even now. But some of these 20207 boys will get a chance to train with the squad next preseason as they enter their draft year.

But on the top of NGA's. Rick Hobson, he's a 180cm forward who applies great pressure with pace, seems to have some muscle on him as well.

IQ seemed to spend some time with the mid rotation group, which is an interesting development. But he was in defence when they did he ball movement drills. It may be something they might toy with in spurts, a bit like Beau through the middle.

Pendles was in defence, as it's not the first time this has been mentioned. Seems he'll spent some time, how much? in the the backline.

It's hard to say who moves, whether its josh or IQ, and it may just be through rotation. Perryman was with the backline at least this week, but ive seen him do midfield drills over the last few weeks, so that's a move they could make as well.
We'll start to get an idea of position changes, preferred team and set up after the christmas break. Around that time this year is when we started to get the idea that Reef was preferred in team A, which probably surprised some.

In the pressure drills, both Prindable and Swadling look very good at how they move around congestion. I look forward to proper match sims and practice games to see how they go.

For a big boy, McCarthy doesn't shy away from getting from contest to contest and applying pressure when he can. Skinny he may be, but he has energy.

 
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Beautiful day for training

Initial thoughts

Roan Steele not only looks fit but has added shape and muscle and looks primed for a big year on the wing - it’s only been 6 weeks since I last attended a training session and he looks stronger

If Allan is going to command a spot then 2026 is his year - he looks in great shape - strong and powerful
Same too for Ryan so and I know a lot of people are down on these guys but I’d love to see them both get a run of games

Smit - looks ready to explode. I like him as a ruck but powerful KPD chopping out in the ruck sounds good, too

Hayes too has worked hard to add strength as a compliment to his speed

Westy is fit but, just in my opinion, looks like a 3rd tall…actually, he looks like a mid!!
I like the varied mix of Buller / Howes / West but I’d like us to target a true from-the-square KPF

HH has a totally different shape this year - he looks much much more lithe (he used to be a power ball) and seems more aerobic so he might be able to hold down a hff/ mid mix

Will be interesting to see whether it’s TJ or Cochran who seizes the opportunity for a tall, running defender

Edit: newbies on ground
 
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Just caught most of today’s training with the sun beating down on them alters from above. Dead calm and I’d say quite a competitive session, as fringe players were going in hard to no doubt impress the coaching staff, and try to force their way into the senior side.

Our CEO was walking the fence line apologising for the lack of shelter and letting the faithful know that he wants to build a separate clubhouse asap, near the Swan street goals, so that the great unwashed can eat, drink and be protected from the elements as they watch the boys train. Council approval the only hurdle it seems, as cash or the the will of the board is not. Why we can’t use the glasshouse cafe I’ll never know, as it apparently has to be reserved for club employees only. As “they need somewhere to work and conduct meetings”. Inside obv a bit sterile for such things it seems…

As stated, the in close and then full length contested work and transition practice was hotly contested, with no backward step taken. The players in general look v fit and well drilled. Some newbies impressed, as did some other fringe players, as noted in previous reports by other posters. As in the past, my reports never aim to sugar coat things, so will provide some frank Player summaries below. The upside of which is that I don’t flatter easily, so any positive comments have well and truly stood out, to be made mention of. Let’s go…

Nick D - in ripping shape and in everything. Maybe obvious, but strong in the shoulders and legs whilst still looking lean. A great role model for the youngsters.

Smit - really impressed with his one on one marking. Was called out by Jen after Mondays session, but was seldom beaten by the big forwards, and is in great shape. Here’s hoping gets the rest of the backline requirements, as he looks a great option to play on the big forwards.

Prindable - had a great clearance when the heat was on in the full ground stuff. Impressive, and was delighted to see his number present itself, after witnessing the in close extraction first.

Allan - def is bigger and showing aggression. Paired up against Anderson, who has stronger legs, and an inch shorter, as they will no doubt fight it out for a place on the bench during the season. Bit of push and shove from Ed showing that he does have some mongrel him.

Swadling - impressive confidence, not afraid to get amongst it. Got involved in quite a bit of transition stuff and featured in close also. Looks hungry, though still skinny in the kegs - comparatively.

Fuller - featured as a target but running does not look his strength, and also sprayed a shot on goal. Instructing on ground though, so obv feels comfortable and keen to direct traffic.

Reef - doing boundary runs separate to the main group at the end. Not sure if a niggle or if he needs extra work to catch up to the pack.

Parker - impressive. Have always liked his smarts, and skills. Has to be a midfield option as his vision and nice work by foot makes him too valuable for down back imo.

Cochran - didn’t feature as much as I would’ve liked. Has put on some size, but needs to show some presence and demand the ball. AFL not a place for timid key backs methinks.

Steene - extra size, big in the legs now, but struggling against Cameron. Nothing to be embarrassed about, but Cameron is def the dominant ruckman.

Ryan - solid, really putting in. Had a great run down tackle to save a certain goal, but then ran into the point post with a follow up tackle that left him dazed. Really hope he gets a shot at it as works club hard.

West - didn’t stand out. Bit laconic in the transition stuff, as obv feels more comfortable closer to goal. Didn’t miss a target though.

HDM - couple of nice long passes to forwards in the full ground stuff. Nice. This needs to be his bag, so it’s good to see him delivering..

Happy answer questions…. And enjoy the sun All
 
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Just caught most of today’s training with the sun beating down on them alters from above. Dead calm and I’d say quite a competitive session, as fringe players were going in hard to no doubt impress the coaching staff, and try to force their way into the senior side.

Our CEO was walking the fence line apologising for the lack of shelter and letting the faithful know that he wants to build a separate clubhouse asap, near the Swan street goals, so that the great unwashed can eat, drink and be protected from the elements as they watch the boys train. Council approval the only hurdle it seems, as cash or the the will of the board is not. Why we can’t use the glasshouse cafe I’ll never know, as it apparently has to be reserved for club employees only. As “they need somewhere to work and conduct meetings”. Inside obv a bit sterile for such things it seems…

As stated, the in close and then full length contested work and transition practice was hotly contested, with no backward step taken. The players in general look v fit and well drilled. Some newbies impressed, as did some other fringe players, as noted in previous reports by other posters. As in the past, my reports never aim to sugar coat things, so will provide some frank Player summaries below. The upside of which is that I don’t flatter easily, so any positive comments have well and truly stood out, to be made mention of. Let’s go…

Nick D - in ripping shape and in everything. Maybe obvious, but string in the shoulders and legs whilst still looking lean. A great role model for the youngsters.

Smit - really impressed with his one on one marking. Was called out by Jen after Mondays session, but was seldom beaten by the big forwards, and is in great shape. Here’s hoping gets the rest of the backline requirements, as he looks a great option to play in the big forwards.

Prindable - had a great clearance when the heat was on in the full ground stuff. Impressive, and was delighted to see his number present itself, after witnessing the in close extraction first.

Allan - def is bigger and showing aggression. Paired up against Anderson, who had stronger legs, and an inch shorter, as they will no doubt fight into a place on the bench during the season. Bit of push and shove with Ed skiing that he does have some mongrel him.

Swadling - impressive confidence, not afraid to get amongst it. Got involved in quite a bit of transition stuff and featured in close also. Looks hungry, thought still skinny in the kegs - comparatively.

Fuller - featured as a target but running does not look his strength, and also sprayed a shot on goal. Instructing one ground though, do obv feels comfortable and keen to direct traffic.

Reef - doing boundaries separate to the main group at the end. Not sure if a jiggle or he needs extra work to catch up to the pack.

Parker - impressive. Have always liked his smarts, and skills. Has to be a midfield option as his vision and nice work by foot makes his too valuable for down back imo.

Cochran - didn’t feature as much as I would’ve liked. Had put in some size, but needs to show some presence and remind the ball. AFL not a place for timid key backs methinks.

Steene - extra size, big in the legs now, but struggling against Cameron. Nothing to be embarrassed about, but Cameron is def the dominant ruckman.

Ryan - solid, really putting in. Had a great run down tackle to save a certain goal, but then ran into the point post with a follow up tackle that left him dazed. Really hope he gets a shot at it as works club hard.

West - didn’t stand out. Bit laconic in the transition stuff, as obv feels more comfortable closer to goal. Didn’t miss a target though.

Happy answer questions…. And enjoy the sun All
Thanks for the writeup. Anything of interest about Will Hayes?
 
Our CEO was walking the fence line apologising for the lack of shelter and letting the faithful know that he wants to build a separate clubhouse asap, near the Swan street goals, so that the great unwashed can eat, drink and be protected from the elements as they watch the boys train.
Brilliant - this is the best thing that could happen for watching at the ground

Why we can’t use the glasshouse cafe I’ll never know, as it apparently has to be reserved for club employees only. As “they need somewhere to work and conduct meetings”
Absurd
 
Thanks for the write up cityslick1

Smit - really impressed with his one on one marking. Was called out by Jen after Mondays session, but was seldom beaten by the big forwards, and is in great shape. Here’s hoping gets the rest of the backline requirements, as he looks a great option to play in the big forwards.
This an impolite way for me to put this but he's just a bit unco - if he wasn't, he'd be a jet
Really hoping he can be our g-to guys for the huge powerful forwards as he has pace / strength / height - and aggression as both a KPP and ruck
Allan - def is bigger and showing aggression. Paired up against Anderson, who had stronger legs, and an inch shorter, as they will no doubt fight into a place on the bench during the season. Bit of push and shove with Ed skiing that he does have some mongrel him.
Agree
Anderson will debut this year - was really impressed with his willingness to/ skills / involvement / size etc
No doubt there'll be a spot available at some point this year

Allan needs a big year and it looks like his prep / offseason has certainly given him an opportunity

Prindable - had a great clearance when the heat was on in the full ground stuff. Impressive, and was delighted to see his number present itself, after witnessing the in close extraction first.
He's just a genuine mid
Does everything right
He might not be a Daiocs (who is?!) but he'll dependable every match
He's an outside chance to play in 2026

Swadling - impressive confidence, not afraid to get amongst it. Got involved in quite a bit of transition stuff and featured in close also. Looks hungry, thought still skinny in the kegs - comparatively.
Good height, loud voice, confident, involved
He'll look like Reef in a couple pre seasons
Won't play this year - ball drop / disposal not at the level needed for the 1s yet

Cochran - didn’t feature as much as I would’ve liked. Had put in some size, but needs to show some presence and remind the ball. AFL not a place for timid key backs methinks.
Agree
I like him but like you, I think he needs to be more involved - be proactive
Still learning where to run / present?

Ryan - solid, really putting in. Had a great run down tackle to save a certain goal, but then ran into the point post with a follow up tackle that left him dazed. Really hope he gets a shot at it as works club hard.
I've got my fingers crossed for him, too
 
Our CEO was walking the fence line apologising for the lack of shelter and letting the faithful know that he wants to build a separate clubhouse asap, near the Swan street goals, so that the great unwashed can eat, drink and be protected from the elements as they watch the boys train. Council approval the only hurdle it seems, as cash or the the will of the board is not. Why we can’t use the glasshouse cafe I’ll never know, as it apparently has to be reserved for club employees only. As “they need somewhere to work and conduct meetings”. Inside obv a bit sterile for such things it seems…

Thanks for this.

Interesting comment from the CEO. Would be much welcome but I’m struggling to see where the club could fit a clubhouse anywhere near the Swan Street goals. Very tight area at that end of the ground. In fact the whole place is very tight and restricted in terms of available land.
 
Thanks for this.

Interesting comment from the CEO. Would be much welcome but I’m struggling to see where the club could fit a clubhouse anywhere near the Swan Street goals. Very tight area at that end of the ground. In fact the whole place is very tight and restricted in terms of available land.
Should just use the area where the steps are on aami park side
 

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