Training Pre-season training updates 2026.

[Vicky Park]

Should just use the area where the steps are on aami park side

Probably the best location - but again a very tight and narrow strip of land on which to build a ‘clubhouse’ and all that it implies.

Constructing an awning (cover from rain and sun) over the terraced steps would be a good start.

I’d like us to take over the land on which AAMI is constructed, and move the AAMI tenants somewhere else - like we did with Athletics Victoria all those years ago.



And I’m only half joking.

 

[Kirby]

Probably the best location - but again a very tight and narrow strip of land on which to build a ‘clubhouse’ and all that it implies.

Constructing an awning (cover from rain and sun) over the terraced steps would be a good start.

I’d like us to take over the land on which AAMI is constructed, and move the AAMI tenants somewhere else - like we did with Athletics Victoria all those years ago.



And I’m only half joking.

When he says clubhouse I think he's just talking about awnings.

 

[SchuPie]

Should just use the area where the steps are on aami park side

By far the best solution

 

[cityslick1]

Thanks for the writeup. Anything of interest about Will Hayes?

Couple of nice passes to leading forwards. Nothing big.

 

[Sea fog]

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 this. I am hearing mixed reports about West with some saying that maybe he has not got the height to be a key forward. What do you think? Is height an issue for his marking? Can he lead? Mobility? I like your observation about Swadling who appears to be a goer.

 

[stormskye]

Thanks for this. I am hearing mixed reports about West with some saying that maybe he has not got the height to be a key forward. What do you think? Is height an issue for his marking? Can he lead? Mobility? I like your observation about Swadling who appears to be a goer.

He’s 194cm. Plenty that height or shorter have been solid KPF’s. We just lost one to Melbourne.His height wasn’t an issue in the VFL in his first season. Was clunking contested marks every game. Had a very impressive first season

If he was 196cm or taller he likely would have gone earlier and we wouldn’t have had access to him.

 

[sr36]

He’s 194cm. Plenty that height or shorter have been solid KPF’s. We just lost one to Melbourne.His height wasn’t an issue in the VFL in his first season. Was clunking contested marks every game. Had a very impressive first season

If he was 196cm or taller he likely would have gone earlier and we wouldn’t have had access to him.

He's got 17 cm on your avatar.

 

[granniewolf]

Couple of nice passes to leading forwards. Nothing big.

Thanks, he is pretty good at that.

 

[cityslick1]

Apologies for the typos all. Was in a cab on way to chrissy party. Hopefully most fixed with edits now….

 

[WanderingDude]

Apologies for the typos all. Was in a cab on way to chrissy party. Hopefully most fixed with edits now….

Look forward to the after Chrissy party homeward bound cab version. They are excellent when they can be translated.

 

[granniewolf]

Thanks for this. I am hearing mixed reports about West with some saying that maybe he has not got the height to be a key forward. What do you think? Is height an issue for his marking? Can he lead? Mobility? I like your observation about Swadling who appears to be a goer.

Charlie was in the top 10 draft combine for standing vertical jump and also top 10 ( 6th) for 20m sprint.
I think he has a lot going for him and don't think his height will be a problem.

 

[Mollythedolly]

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.

AAMI side forward pocket has a bit of space.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

I’d be happy if we don’t pigeon hole any of our small- medium defenders as just defenders. We should rotate our long list of talented players through the middle and wings on a horses for courses basis.

That includes Houston Perryman Quaynor jaicos and Pendles. Keep the opposition guessing!

Not so much Parker at this stage

 

[rand corp]

Thanks for these great reports

 

[cityslick1]

A couple more I meant to add….

JDG - looking v good. Different body shape to last year / past seasons as he looked leaner in the upper body and legs. Only slightly, but looks fit and was covering the ground well. Would be interested to hear others thoughts, and monitor again in the coming weeks, But I honestly didn’t pick him at first.
Kicked a nice long goal, and covered a lot of ground. Running well. Looks switched on and motivated.

Jiath - not prominent sadly. Needs to stop looping the ball as he prepares to handball or kick. Takes up time, and opens himself up to being caught as trying to dispose of the pill.

Howe - looking in good shape and nice involvement. Slightly bigger, as mentioned previously.

Houston - liked what I saw. Running well and getting involved. Needs to improve on last season, and put in. Hopefully more to come.

Pendles and sidey - both in ripping shape. Moving well.

 

[cityslick1]

Thanks for this. I am hearing mixed reports about West with some saying that maybe he has not got the height to be a key forward. What do you think? Is height an issue for his marking? Can he lead? Mobility? I like your observation about Swadling who appears to be a goer.

Can def lead, and is v strong below his waist, with a low centre of gravity. I think all recruiters were worried about his height and agility, but last season did a lot to prove that that shouldn’t be a massive issue. Has got pace on the lead, competes well and plays out games, so is always a threat imo. More a reflection of what’s inside his head, but he never gives up, and loves impacting games I reckon.

I’ll also add that to get a game in your first season as a 19yo key forward is pretty impressive. Even Cadman took a couple of years to really impact, as do most keys. Just needs to keep improving, but the upside remaining is the big question mark. Membrey is a great role model for him though. The guy covers lots of ground, presenting and re-presenting… quite impressive to see up close.

 

[BillyElliott]

 

[granniewolf]

None of them look like they are enjoying themselves. Hope it's cooler in Melbourne than it has been here today. 42C

 

[Daicosian silk]

Can def lead, and is v strong below his waist, with a low centre of gravity. I think all recruiters were worried about his height and agility, but last season did a lot to prove that that shouldn’t be a massive issue. Has got pace on the lead, competes well and plays out games, so is always a threat imo. More a reflection of what’s inside his head, but he never gives up, and loves impacting games I reckon.

I’ll also add that to get a game in your first season as a 19yo is pretty impressive. Even Cadman took a couple of years to really impact, as do most keys. Just needs to keep improving, but the upside remaining is the big question mark. Membrey is a great role model for him though. The guy covers lots of ground, presenting and re-presenting… quite impressive to see up close.

Looks to be more of a Jason Dunstall body shape. Stocky rather than the Max King lean and lanky type. 6” 4’ in the old money is tall enough. He’s got a good vertical leap on him and decent pace on a lead with strong hands. Also has a good leg on him and can kick them from outside 50. No reason at all why he can’t make it in the long term

 

[Jen2310]

 

[Apex36]

None of them look like they are enjoying themselves. Hope it's cooler in Melbourne than it has been here today. 42C

30 here today but incredibly humid and uncomfortable, so not great.

 

[granniewolf]

30 here today but incredibly humid and uncomfortable, so not great.

Early weather report gives Melbourne nice temps for Christmas. High humidity sucks the energy out of me.

 

[pileitinho]

True. It’s rare you have 23 absolute jets.

The older blokes might remember a Hawthorn side, that LOST the 1985 premiership, which had: Steve Malaxos, Greg Dear, Peter Knights, Peter Curran, Michael Byrne, Rodney Eade, Shane McGrath, James Morrissey, Greg Abbott, Chris Wittman, Gary Buckenara and Colin Robertson (Em. Ray Jencke, Andy Collins) running around in the curtain raiser that day.

I was there, what is little known is that David Parkin stepped in and ordered Col Kinnear to make sure the Blues players were "fit" for the grand final. They ran a lot of laps on the Tuesday before the game. Players were completely dead-legged before half time. Also some very good names on that Blues team which won the minor Prem.

Buckenara and Knights took two incredible marks each, but this game was over before the ball was bounced because of David Parkin.

 

[Timmy from Thomastown]

I was there, what is little known is that David Parkin stepped in and ordered Col Kinnear to make sure the Blues players were "fit" for the grand final. They ran a lot of laps on the Tuesday before the game. Players were completely dead-legged before half time. Also some very good names on that Blues team which won the minor Prem.

Buckenara and Knights took two incredible marks each, but this game was over before the ball was bounced because of David Parkin.

One slight issue with your post.

Carlton didn’t play in the 1985 grand final

 

[Jen2310]